I modified this from a therapy assignment. I haven't written any poetry since my angsty teen years, but I love how this came out. 



Chest tight with panicked anxiety

Crippling unease, it terrifies me

Hyperventilate, claustrophobic much too stressed

Trapped by blurry tunnel vision full of dread

Wanna get away, needing my escape

Breathless, stuck here, endless spinning till I break

Pushed and pulled in all directions

I can't forgive my own transgressions

Can't breathe for fear of loss and expectations

Reaching the point of desperation

Overthink my overwhelm, uncertainty takes hold

Just spinning out of my control

Hard to breathe, unsure the consequence

Catastrophizing this is the end

Meditation, affirmation, anything to keep my temper

Breathe deep and try to just recenter

Find within some sense of peace

My panic still consuming me


Relax, release, recharge, restart


Breathe deep, seek presence in the moment

Anxiety recedes, leaves me feeling spent

Empowered, finding hope, my mind unwinds

Breathe deep, and finally, I am fine