now I wake from this restless sleep
insides coiled tight, unable to breathe—
anticipation and expectation stealing
my peace. self-imposed standards shred
through my stomach lining: acid and bile
stifling my lungs. these days I bite
my tongue to keep from grinding my teeth
but it only leaves my jaw aching, ranting
anxious pleas across a screen while second?
guessing? does this sound? too much? like
self-loathing? or is that just me?
help me let this go; let me be gentle
with myself. how many times must I pray this
until I’m heard? and how long does it take
for God’s silence to give me comfort?
How to Ask for Help
What’s the difference between trusting you’ll make it and bottling everything up because there’s no other choice? How do you say “I’m not okay”?
1–2 minutes
V. H. King's Ink 