I feel death
In my chest, in my throat
I can easily take my pulse
Without touching neck or wrist
The frenzied gnawing takes a toll on me
And the only way to settle my mind is

Prolonged solitude
Found in forests
On trails
With my dog

Pushing these worries out of mind
And out of sight
I continue through days
Lacking the much needed space in my schedule
For solitude
And after a whole week off
I feel slightly better
But...

It approaches

And it’s shadowy and fearful

And although, at times, I’ve wanted it here...

I’d rather it was delayed

Indefinitely