Breathe

Inhale.

The only sound to be heard

in the cold, dark hallway.

No sensations to be felt

other than the cold air 

that rises and falls 

with each breath. Exhale.

Trapped, my mind races 

with a million thoughts, 

Inhale,

but each one a slimy eel

that escapes my grasp.

There is nothing. I am

nothing. 

Hours have passed. No

only a few minutes. Exhale. 

My head spins. Surely

the world is shifting. Inhale. 

Exhale. My mind accelerates 

faster and faster. Inhale. 

I slowly close my eyes. Exhale. 

At least, I think

I close my eyes. 

I hear something faintly pounding,

seemingly in the distance. The hairs 

on my neck sprout up. The sound

is heavy, but the weighted Boom boom

gives me hope. Inhale.

Light peers through a growing

hole in the wall. Exhale.

I cautiously approach

the chasm, while the 

Boom boom grows 

louder and louder. 

Inhale.  

I reach the light, hesitant 

to step out into the unknown.

Exhale.

Suddenly, my mind is seized

by scrambled thoughts trying

desperately to pull me back 

into the abyss. Inhale.

The Boom boom gets

faster and faster, exhale, 

but I can’t shake the overwhelming

thoughts that cling frantically 

to my body. 

Inhale. 

I stride towards

the opening, longing deeply

for the sensation of light

that my thoughts cannot stand.

Finally, I drag myself into the light

and watch as the cowards retreat

into the safety of the darkness.

I am free. Exhale.