Dread

Oh no, it’s you.

My stomach roars like angry waves

to warn me of your impending visit.

I’m beginning to think my mind is not only for vacation,

but is quickly becoming your permanent home.

Oh and look, you’ve brought your daughters.

Misery and Panic look more like you every minute.

I’ll have to host you three indefinitely, just like last time.

Your deceptively sweet whispers upon waking

of my inability to complete menial tasks,

bring about paralysis due to my potential incompetence.

Now I truly cannot do it, you’ve neutralized all ambition.

Your voice, sharp and commanding, clashes with Logic

and produces a cognitive stalemate.

You’ve come prepared with all your weapons loaded,

with the target set on my sanity.

The ammunition of previous and possible failures

is well-stocked and aimed for my attentive ears.

The bullets containing irrational fears soar through

all reasonable expectations of the day.

I am wounded before I’ve even begun. You’ve won.

Your shots have hits the mark each and every time,

I am limping toward the day with insecurity

and you have made anxiety my new master.

As I crawl toward any salvation,

Your phantom fingers, once caressing,

now clench my neck as one would hold a winning lottery ticket.

Tighter, tighter, tighter, I can’t fight anymore.

Release.

You’ve proven your power over me once more.

Your job is done and now you can leave,

now that you have reminded me who is truly in charge.

I slowly regain my ground as you grab your belongings and file out.

At the door, you flash your manipulative grin and gently utter,

“See you soon.”