Money

Money.

It is the air I choke on,

a reality I am plagued with

that intoxicates my brain,

and poisons my every thought,

my every worry,

my every fear.

A life that was once so carefree,

became chained by society.

A piece of candy, only 25 cents

that once seemed like the greatest blessing in the world

became 25 cents too much for me. 

25 cents that could be invested into something more worthwhile.

It is so miniscule, 

so insignificant,

but it's how convoluted my life's become.

"Don't worry about the money,"

"If you work hard it will come to you"

is what I've been told.

It has fed into my romanticism

of prestigious schools

yet their reputation is no match

for the nightmare a potential life of debt and uncertainty

that awaits for me.

I am scared,

absolutely terrified of this monster 

that lurks in every crook and nanny of my mind

and is a daily, foreboding presence

right in daylight, always before my eyes.