Anxiety

[ you’re in court against yourself
cowering on an uncomfortable bench, unable to oppose
as a ruthless lawyer drills into you.
she convinces your mind to fear everything-
a bomb striking your hometown
a car hitting your spouse
cancer infecting your Momma
and death creeping into your lungs.
your muscles contract uncontrollably,
steadfast shivers encompass you whole,
your hands grasp onto anything definitive
your jaw locks, a defense mechanism-
you’re well aware that you would lose if you dare spoke up.
your mind screams to run away,
but where is there to ]