Breathe

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...