A poem recounting a panic attack – originally written Spring 2022
Quiet. Calm. Keyboard Clicks. Focused Mind. Checking off one assignment at a time.
Suddenly. Clouded. Crowded. I can’t stay. I need to leave. Where is the way out. I grab my things. I want to run. The shelves are closing in on me. A rainbow of books. Closer. Closer. The aisle is getting longer and longer. I can’t breathe. My body is tense. I need to go faster.
With each step, Courage.
The oxygen seems to have been sucked out of the room. Blurry. I stumble down the stairs. I can’t trip. People will stare. I wish I was invisible. I need air. I tried to breathe. Gasping.
With each breath, Courage.
My heart is pounding. It’s all I can hear. Almost there. I need fresh air. My fingers touch cold metal. The door opens. I’m hit with chilling cold air. I breathe deep. My lungs are free, with each step my heartbeat slows.
I’m safe. I’m okay. I’m strong.
With each moment, courage.
Walking through the night, down the path, under the stars, peace is here; reminded of truth, remembering love.
With each step, peace
Because of love, Christ gives me victory over fear, he sees me, he is with me, he always was
With each breath, peace.
With each moment, peace.
Read more about how Jesus helped me overcome fear here!
Grace Phelps 