I am berated every day,
Not by a person, but by
Anxiety.
Yes, I’m looking at you; actually, I’m
In you. I’ve been trapped in your murky,
Terrifying depths since
I was twelve. You chained me and fed off my fears,
Growing,
Growing,
Growing,
And pillaging my body as you do so. My stomach
Knots up. My hands
Shiver and sweat. My heart
Pounds heavily in my chest. My throat
Constricts and attempts to choke me.

Why do you berate me? Is it because I’m an
Honors student? Because I have
No confidence? Because, to you, I’m just
A twig?
I don’t get it.
I’m chained to you with
No way out. I know it’s possible
To escape. I have done so for
Succinct periods of time, with the help of
Sibley,
Mari,
Zach,
Inias,
Daniel,
Lilly
Miku,
Jarod, and
Kathryn.
Alas, I’m never free for
Long. Your grip remains
Steadfast, like I’m a dog
Chained to a post.

I’m not your dog, and
I’m not a toy for you to
Berate.
I am a person, and
I will discover
How to free myself.