Panic's Bite

It's that feeling
the one you may only know
from time to time,
a big test today,
a meeting with your boss,
a first date.
That little flutter in your stomach
perspiration on your brow
catch in your breath,
yes you know
nervousness.
but what you don't know
is his cousin, Panic
Panic has a bite to him
That sharp inhale
that stabs your lungs.
That sends your inside
into cartwheels
over and over and over.
And your heart wants to run away
as beats beats beats faster and faster
right out of your chest and into your ears.
and your palms are freezing
and wet.
And you can't seem to shake
the shakes that intrude your body.
You can't escape that deep desire
to run as fast as your feet will carry.
And you wait,
panic pins you down
and you wait
for the world to fall a part around you
but everyone's face is serene
because nothing is wrong.

Storm this morning

Do you feel it?
Look outside,
see the way that willow
is swaying in the wind?
Close your eyes.
Now imagine the breeze
is warm and moist
like an ocean breeze.
Like a tropical storm
is about to blow over us.
It's coming to refresh
not to chill.
Can't you hear it's woo
and moan like a song
calling to us
to wake up today
and be refreshed.
Be cleaned by its downpour
be made anew.

Nothingness

How do you feel?
no answer.
How do I explain
this feeling
devoid of emotion.
It's not as if
I don't hurt at times;
I've felt the stabs
of regret,
the blows
of remorse.
I felt the sunny days
warm my skin
and tend to my wounds
the refreshing wave
of a smile.
But now it's neither.
It's not a gray empty feeling.
I'm just floating
in nothingness space.

not-so-quiet evening

Ssshhh...
Do you hear it?
All the little sounds
of the world outside of you.
The child bouncing a ball
on the floor above.
The muffled sound
of footsteps on carpet.
The distant laughter.
The howl of the wind.
Do you hear it?
Do you know that your silence
leaves no absence
unfilled here?
The rain will drown
you out tonight
with its constant
drip drip drip.