panic attack

I imagine each rib
connect with sinew
and years of usage
collapsed time
portcullis echoing
metallic moans
like arteries
travelling upstream
in some ancient ritual

breathe for me

never dream with
eyes shut
as lungs filled
caustic motions

there is a time
when the body will rebel
ribs shuddering
xylophone

no melody
unconscious but awake:

are these notes

mine?

emotions are held
under lock and key

but I

lost the key

I
no, I

no
I

cannot release
these demons
crushing my chest

with these sounds
destroying the fabric
of emptied skies
quieted night jilted