BREATHE

starting over

Breathe.

Take that first shuddering inhalation,

          as you realize you’re no longer cowed.

Baffling. Confusing. Hesitant smile.

 

Breathe.

Draw in the smell of fear and redemption,

          as uncertain feet force you forward.

Misgivings. Qualms. Butterfly tummy.

 

There are broken pieces, but,

It’s okay.

You’re okay.

It’s a slow road back, but,

                It’s okay.

                         You are okay.

 

Breathe.

That’s courage coursing through your veins,

          as you square your shoulders and face what is.

Panic. Dread. Clenched jaw.

 

Breathe.

That’s freedom you feel stirring your lungs,

          as you look at the world with new eyes.

Startling. Overwhelming. Wondrous sight.

 

You don’t know how, but,

                It’s okay.

You’re okay.

There are no road maps, but,

It’s okay.

                         You are okay.

 

Breathe.

That’s it. One lungful at a time. Slow and easy.

Breathe.

You’ve got this. You’re stronger than you think.

Breathe.

It’s as easy as taking that next lungful of air,

So breathe.

Just

Breathe.

Author's Note

Not sure where this came from. I'm sitting here, door open to my deck, fall trees outside and a cool breeze wafting in, hot coffee beside me. I'm editing chapters of my novel, and then, out of nowhere, come the first words for this poem. Literally, out of nowhere. So...I stop...write them down...and wonder, wtf, right? Not sure how polished this is, but wanted to get it out there while it was still fresh. Before I overthink things. Let me know what you think...edits are a writer's best friend.

Reviews

[Jack Necron (Aubrey Jac..]

The structure of this is great, like inner thoughts pushing back with confidence and providing a guiding hand. The motions that follow those thoughts are so real in their depiction as well. Many people could use words like those above right now. Thanks for sharing, I'm glad I read this.

[ReedWrite]

Thank you Jack. I'm glad you liked it.
And thank you for the read and review. Appreciate it.

[Jack Necron (Aubrey Jack Peaslee)]

You're welcome!

[Valeria]

Nice, relaxing poem. Can be used for a breathing practice.

[ReedWrite]

LOL...never thought of that. Thank you for reading and responding, Valeria.

[CursedFreedom]

Some of our best works come completely out of nowhere. GREAT structure. It seems to be a piece of self-motivation, partially. Stay confident when lost, you will make it through. That's what I've got out of this. Love it. :)

[ReedWrite]

Thank you so much. I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this is the best kind of poem...the one that not only comes out naturally, but feels natural in the reading..

lots of connotations here...first breaths of life, then retaking those once we are out of a bad situation where another has made us doubt our self-worth...

this has punch---

j.

[ReedWrite]

Thank you, Jacob. Yes...it's about taking that first breath again...finding yourself again...thank you for taking the time to read and comment. -Pam

[.]

I really love the way this is structured. The flow of breathing is signified in the in and out of the lines here, and it's so calmly motivational. Really lovely piece, thank you for sharing it :))

[ReedWrite]

Thank you so much, Sea. I truly appreciate your comment. Thank you for taking the time to read this piece.

[.]

You're so very welcome, it was my pleasure! :)