–breakup letter to anxiety–

 

i see you hiding over there

as you slowly attempt to sneak

into my day.

 

whispering in my ear that there

are things beyond my control

to be considered.

 

dire things that if only i would

give my time and energy to,

that i MIGHT be able to solve

 

just by worrying a bit, or a lot.

this, the lie that you seek to

infuse into my brain.

 

but i have become steadily more

aware of your despicable ways and 

you cannot come back in

 

willy-nilly any longer, for i despise

the things you do, to me and

to others all around.

 

i have taken down the welcome sign,

brought in all the chairs. we will no

longer sip iced tea together

 

in the heat of midday, or watch the

sunset–and especially not commune

when nighttime comes,

 

stealing my sleep and flowing over

into dreams. no, you are not

welcome here anymore

 

or ever again, and i have initiated

measures to take back the life

that you attempt to steal.

 

and while you might still sneak

up close from time to time, i see

that you are there,

 

the signs that you are near, and you

will never come to dinner or unpack

your bag in my house to stay

 

again. we are well and truly over

and i hope that one day i will not

even need to think or say your name.

 

my mind is set, notice has been given,

–so leave.

 

Heather Pound 2023

Photo by James Garcia on Unsplash