Waking Up To A Panic Attack

Through the glittering images masked by tears,

I woke up from my darkest fears.

I can still see the face I don't want to see,

Of the person that was chasing me.

Focusing on the outlines of the furniture in my room,

I get my mind off that sense of impending doom.

Glow-in-the-dark stars on my ceiling come into view as well,

Reminding me I'm not in Hell.

The notification light on my phone,

Reassures me I'm not alone.

The feel of my pillowcase, drenched in sweat and tears,

The same damn dream after all these years.

The sensation of goosebumps cover me head to toe,

From the horror I don't think many know.

My racing heartbeat is no joke,

With a chest so tight I feel like I could choke.

The warmth of my dog soothes my heart,

Telling me that my dream is a world apart.

The beat of my clock ticking away,

Reminds me that this is a new day.

Hearing the sound of a car drive by,

I allow myself to let out a sigh.

My breathing is finally slowing down a bit,

I sound less like I'm having a fit.

Smelling the aroma of a single rose,

I finally forget the faces of my foes.

My open window lets in the smell of rain,

Which distracts me from my mental pain.

The metallic taste of blood from biting my cheek,

Makes me determined to end this streak.

A walk through Hell, or so it did seem,

As I tell myself, it was just a dream.

NOTE – The inspiration for this poem is from my therapist’s advice on how to get through a panic attack:

Identify the following

5 things you can see

4 things you can touch

3 things you can hear

2 things you can smell

1 thing you can taste