fear is a funny thing
curled up in my gut
like it lives there
like a knife
it traces its claws along my spin
reaching up, up, up
brushing past my lungs
to lock its long talons
around my frantic, fluttering heart

fear is a funny thing
sneaking up on me
without being provoked
like a trap
snaking its way between my ribs
pulling tighter, tighter, tighter
till i'm gasping for breath
on my knees in the dust
eyes clouded by panic and darkness

fear is a funny thing
purposeless and naive
throwing useless tantrums
like a child
beating against my shoulder blades
i feel it pulsing, pulsing, pulsing
rhythmic and relentless
picking my seams apart and
unraveling me from the inside

h.f.m.