ANXIETY
by Jessica DePue

You almost feel the resistance
Trip wire catch, barely detectable
Tickling your heel

Thin as floss though much less useful
It gets in the way, succeeds in this
Masterful ploy

Was there a signal you bulls-eyed
A mark upon pavement, placed
Specifically for you to stomp

Activate, catapult every nerve
First a tremor, then tremble
Into oblivious shaking

Running is easiest, pushes
Air through vital organs
Your heart especially benefits

Never stop to question necessity
Of motion, smooth even until
Something gives

The hiccup, the fall
Backwards momentum, frightning
Relief

May not come until rest
But first breathe, hold tight
Don't break