Speak Bravely

“Anxiety” by Jerry Rodriguez Martinez

In the chamber of my mind, you reside rent-free

You are the unwelcome tenant overwhelming me with hostility

You pound on my core

Anxiety taking control of everything and more

You cling on like a chronic disease 

Unwilling to surrender and leave me in peace

You make me feel like I’m drowning in the air that is supposed to give me the freedom to breathe

At age thirteen I raised my hand wanting to speak 

Then you stepped in through the door unannounced unwilling to leave me alone

Making yourself at home, you had taken control

And in my attempt to evict you all I could do was stutter, and mutter when all I wanted to do was utter the words in my brain but you wouldn’t allow me to explain

I feel anxious even thinking about you 

I feel guilt that will eventually run me over like a stampede if I don’t concede. 

I feel as though I can’t have thoughts that aren’t my own without the struggle of you getting in the way and making it difficult.

These are my own thoughts 

My own words

My own feelings

My First Amendment right, stripped away from me by an unwelcome guest when I should be the keeper of this home.

You moved in and created a nuisance in a place where I’m meant to feel safe 

I’m in charge

I’m the one with the power

You can keep talking but I won’t listen

So please walk out the door

Because Anxiety, I’m bored. 

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