Blanket of Anxiety

I wanted to write a poem about what it was like to live under a blanket of anxiety all the time in the hopes that others may not feel so alone.

Draped around my shoulders
anxiety lays
like a smelly old blanket
It's weight is crushing and offers no comfort
like a fluffy coverlet every could

I desperately want this off of me
and I need to get out from under it
before the pressure finally breaks my faltering spirit

Anxiety makes self esteem crack
My will depletes
Hope and faith are rendered useless
I push and kick against this intrusion
that blinds everything like an oppressive dark cloud

Screaming out in agony
at the repetitive nature of the beast
I rip and claw my way to the surface of my thoughts
and then LET GO

Let go of the conditions
I have allowed
Yes, allowed
society to place on me

The precious time and the deadlines
I refuse to believe it
My ears will remain clamped
against such anxiety provoking lies

Be gone sordid lies
You've haunted me
for longer than permissible

I feel lighter now
and can breathe
For I have taken off
that ridiculous shackle