Feeling Like a Soda Can

Fear, being completely out of control.

Bewilderment, overwhelming pressure expanding inside.

I’m terrified.

Controlled suppression, deep breaths, look away,

“Are you okay?”

My emotions explode like soda from a shaken up can.

My sobs are ocean waves crashing against the shore.

Oh tears, will you ever stop?

Comprehension meanders aimlessly about.

How could something so small have crushed my peace to crumbs?

My body will do as it pleases, I have no control.

When I chose to join karate,

I didn’t know my body would respond to being attacked like this.

A friend’s practice chokehold

So aggressively destroy my peace of mind.

“I’m fine, I’ll be ok…”

My tears tell a different tale.

Fleeing is my only option.

Safe in my mother’s arms, tension rushes from my body.

Along with the faithful fluids of fear.

One tissue box does not suffice.

But my family is there, holding me,

Barricading me from my fear.

Just as soda carbonation eventually fizzles out,

So my tears slowly cease their torrent.

Sometimes it’s nice to just be held;

To remember the power of unconditional love.

That power allows me to return,

To put myself back in the position of fear,

And return the victor with body and mind intact.