Standing on the edge of the crowd
racing mind, sweaty hands
trying to calm down but
you're scared & you can't
your heart beats faster
the voices get louder
the lights start spinning
you're getting dizzy
and you just...
can't seem to...
breathe

Sitting in the crowded lunchroom
self-conscious & afraid
Are they judging me?
Can they somehow see?
My panicked face?
My heartbeat race?
or the anxiety,
taking hold of me,
until I...
just cannot...
breathe?

Why can't I breathe when I need to most?

Standing at the front of class
icy smiles, staring eyes
watching every move I make
trying to see beneath my disguise
Why do they watch me?
What do they hope to see?
As my chest tightens
my visions darkens
And I...
just cannot...
breathe...

But I want to breathe...