Anxiety comes like a storm in the night, Unexpected and sudden, it swallows the light. It whispers of fears that may never be, It confines the heart and hides the key. Breath becomes shallow, thoughts take flight, A mind ablaze in the stillness of night. Every heartbeat feels like a war-drum’s sound, Every step feels heavy, as if destined to drown. But within that trembling, a spark still shines, A gentle resistance against the confines. For though fear roars, sharp and loud, The soul still rises, unyielding and proud. There are days when the climb feels endless and steep, When silence is heavy, and laughter is asleep. Days when the mirror reflects only doubt, When the world feels better with the lights turned out. Yet — even then, a breath can be found, A whisper of strength beneath the sound. A reminder that courage is not just to stand still, But to walk through fire with a quaking will. For every panic, there comes a release, For every chaos, a chance for peace. Like tides that crash but always recede, You learn the rhythm, you plant the seed. And slowly, with patience, the dawn will rise, Unfolding calm across anxious skies. The chest unbinds, the mind grows clear, The storm retreats, though it lingers near. You’ll taste the sweetness of gentle days, When laughter returns in golden rays. You’ll find in the mess, in the cracks, in the fight, That you are a beacon, carrying light. For battling shadows does not mean defeat, The fact that you stand makes your journey complete. Anxiety’s weight may bend but not break, You are more than the fear your mind can make. So walk, trembling warrior, with head held high, Even with tears still wet in your eye. The lows are dark, but the highs are true — And the world ©️ James Michael