Anxiety

     strong but vulnerable.
    powerful yet timid.

      a fear so deeply rooted in emotion and lies.
its roots plunging into the ground.
planting them so deep you’ll never move.

a tree.
stuck in place.

firm.
mighty.
fixed.

and yet, 

its also a storm.

chaotic and spine-chilling. 

it sweeps through the innocent meadows with no warning.

rips the flowers out.

tosses the branches.

 destroys the house you spent so long building.

no safety.
no warning.
no compassion.

its cold and harsh.

numb and cruel.

makes your body shake.
your breath hitch.
mouth dry.
palms sweat.
muscles tense.
head throb.
eyes pour.

until it consumes you.

the voice takes over.
the body betrays.

the truth feels so obvious.

worthlessness.
unlovable.
damaged goods.

and yet,

the land is robust.
resilient.
capable.
mighty.

its prevailed through numerous storms.

maybe it is damaged.
maybe it is fearful.

but the sun will still shine.
the flowers will still grow.

and I will still rise above.