When I’m anxious or antsy I am uncomfortable in my own skin. I force myself to stop and think, reflect. What is going on? How am I feeling, exactly? What is the force underneath the electricity that is firing through my system?

Today...

I’m not breathing. Not enough.
I’m holding my breath
waiting for you
to reach out to me

you are my oxygen
my tree
the limbs and leaves
of what protects me
from being alone.

I don’t want to need you
I don’t want to love you
I don’t want to feel your absence

I want to breathe, freely
I want to feel you, daily
I want to love you, fully

you are my air
my deep breath
my slow exhale