29 Comments
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Beth L. Gainer's avatar

Beautiful, heart-brreaking poem, Rea. I love this piece of work. The following stanza stood out to me, although each of your stanzas are beautiful:

Like a sinuous snake

Death crawled through

My vulnerable walls

Madness its companion

So rich in imagery, and yes, death and madness are related.

Rea de Miranda's avatar

It's lovely when someone feels my message. Thank you, Beth. I'm glad it made an impression on you.

Parker McCoy's avatar

Imagination is truly remarkable but it's also truly awful when it turns against us. Great poem, Rea.

Rea de Miranda's avatar

You’re right. Thank you, Parker.

pen n. bolsillo's avatar

love you.

Rea de Miranda's avatar

Love you, my friend.

Jen Reich's avatar

Sending care and wishing you peace, Rea.

Rea de Miranda's avatar

I have peace now. Thank you, Jen.

Chris Keller's avatar

you’ve got this Rea. (and oh so well written)

Rea de Miranda's avatar

Thank you, Chris.

Carole Roseland's avatar

This will pass, but it’s an awful feeling. I wonder if sometimes it’s hypoglycemia that makes one desperate, agitated and uncomfortable. When I get that way, taking a fast walk, wrapping up tight in in blanket or a having a really cold drink helps, but why, I have no idea.

Rea de Miranda's avatar

When I had my first anxiety attack I thought I was going crazy. Terrified of something I couldn't see, and no way to protect myself. It's the worst feeling!

Thank you for your compassion, Carole.

Mahdi Meshkatee's avatar

Sending you peace, Rea🕊️

Rea de Miranda's avatar

Thank you, dear Mahdi. 🤍

Brenda - A Voice that Wonders's avatar

Oh that picture paints a thousand words Rea. Thoughts are with you as you face this angst. I know that you are in control now. This piece is raw, vivid and lets us know just how it feels. Thank you for sharing this. Take care. With love. 💖

Rea de Miranda's avatar

Thank, Brenda! Sending love. 💞

Mark Farley’s wandering’s's avatar

A haunting photograph, a never ending nightmare. Words that chill. You are in my thoughts…

Rea de Miranda's avatar

Thank you, Mark. 🙏🙏

Jeanne Vessantra's avatar

This feels like the slow ascent of anxiety, haunting us from all sides until it breaks us open. Not as something expected, but as the storm that arrives without warning, only to leave everything in pieces.

Rea de Miranda's avatar

Without warning! That's what makes it so terrifying. 💕

Chano's avatar

Rea, the image speaks volumes… we are deeply heartbroken over the loss of our sons. Sending hugs🫶🏼

Rea de Miranda's avatar

Love and hugs right back, Chano.

Stephanie C. Bell's avatar

The struggle with angst is real. <3

Rea de Miranda's avatar

Awful, Stephanie. 💞

Stephanie M. Vargo's avatar

Chilling description.

Rea de Miranda's avatar

It’s a terrifying experience. I’ve learned to control it.

Stephanie M. Vargo's avatar

It is a relief to know that you have learned to control it. It is so difficult to go through life with this level of anxiety.

Stephen Drew's avatar

"...an invisible threat." May this pass swiftly.

Rea de Miranda's avatar

I recalled that debilitating feeling. Thank goodness I’m in control now.