Anxiety

Disconnect from surroundings

Heart racing

Stomach burning

Ears pounding

Thoughts blurred

Can’t think can’t think can’t think

Shut up!

Please

Shut up.

Why won’t you shut up?

Have to think can’t think it’s all too much—

Anchor.

I have to anchor.

Listen—

I hear dogs barking

A TV playing

Rock n roll in the distance;

Smell—

I smell rum and sunscreen

Nachos in the oven cooking

Artificial cleaners and faux-forest scents;

Touch—

I feel a soft recliner rocking

Threadbare carpet beneath my feet

The silky curls of a labradoodle between my fingers—

Breathe.

One… two… three…

Just… breathe.

I am home.