Drowning (poem)

I feel my heart-rate rising

as I wait for the fire alarm to stop.

It's nothing,

I know that.

Just some stray smoke,

some oversensitive system.

The people pour out,

a constant stream,

a babbling brook,

like the one at the park.

Just sit down,

close your eyes, breathe.

They swarm back in.

I follow,

sucked into the water.

Breathe,

keep your head up,

it's fine.

Just a coffee

and a bagel.

Easy order.

You got this.

Slow down,

breathe.

Don't spill it,

just stand,

wait.

Shouldn't be long.

Legs weak,

just a bit longer.

What sauce?

None,

give me it quick

while I stand.

Thanks,

now to retreat.

Table for four

alone.

Quiet,

empty.

Shaking,

can't breathe.

Underwater,

gasping for air,

can't move,

can't sit still,

can't breathe,

drowning.

-Zero