Slipping Reins

I can't calm down.

Stop,
I need time.

No, don't scream at me
I can't control it
I can't control my voice,
my words, my feeling.

They are slipping away
just out of reach
the chase, 
leaves me breathless.

I can't let them go
I need them,
I need the people
and my calm.

I can't breathe 
and they, they don't let me
and then it's gone
too far for me to catch,
leaving behind just me.

Just me,
my terror
my breathlessness
and the tears,
that won't flow.

© Utsa Seth, 2018