Like a rooted tree
I am firmly grounded
upon this life I was
given.

Sometimes it can feel like
a flood that’s trying
to devour me. Its hands
grip around my neck
choking me as I loose
my breath.

Pain settles beside me
it steals my time.

This struggle is like
painful strings pulling
on me, as if I were
its puppet, moving me
when I least expect it.

It swells and dwells
deep within my life,
it waited until I was
happy to step out
of the shadows.

It’s a painful breath,
exhale after exhale
I am left chocking
on its smog.

Painful breath,
my life was devoured
by its fumes.

© 2019 By Amanda Shelton