in a bathysphere
headed deep down
fathoms beneath
the jagged sawtooths
cutting the surface
needing the sanctity
of the metal walls
to keep me safe
from this impending
breakdown

a flower
pulling its petals
closed
reacting to
barometric
inconsistencies
a late frost
impending doom
impeding
rational thoughts
until all there is

is sheer panic

a bomb went off
in my head
anxiety painting
everything
in shades of dismay
i can’t even
scream
i am too afraid
of the words
that may dribble out