There is a moment on the cusp
of a decision which may fork futures
in which anxiety extends its jolting
grasp so firmly that all realities
pale and flicker.

"TO BE GREAT."
"TO BE HAPPY."

My mantras.

And yet the ghost of such essence hovers
about me and grows stronger with my
resolve.

Anxiety is the paradox of sound thinking.

And yet, it is also a thing
given a name
so that it may be driven
away.