Zyreail H.
Photography by Zaraeah Hardin
If you’re reading this, take a deep breath…
A storm brews in the depths of my mind
Full of nothing but worries old and new
With each demand, I run out of time
Counting down the hours from many to few
The calendar pages turn too fast
The minutes vanish without a trace
Seconds slip like sand in my grasp
To leave this world, I look into space
The silence is too loud
The darkness is blinding
I return to the crowd
My mind twisting and winding
So many requirements for which I am responsible
With each demand a pressing need
Battling a relentless force that feels unstoppable
On my soul, it continues to feed
Sleepless nights and weary days
My limbs are stretched in every direction
A game of what-ifs in my mind plays
In hope I complete every task to perfection
I sprint through life’s maze hurrying to complete my quests
Then lie by telling everyone I’m having a blast
Wondering “Will they believe I tried my best?
Each chime more daunting than the last
Wishing to be embraced by time
Weighed down by my pursuits
An avalanche I decline
Toward the root
I yelp
Help!
Help, help, help…
Tick, tock, the hands of the clock slow
Inhale, exhale the rhythm’s divine
A simple sigh, a tranquil flow
As the air dances in these lungs of mine
The storm calms as time stands still
I take in this moment just because
My life duties I will fulfill
But among the chaos, I take a pause
I look all around me and take it all in
The grass, the sky, the trees
The smell of the flowers the feeling of wind
The beauty of life's simplicities
My lungs are filled and my burdens release
I let all doubts terminate and cease
To let go of my worries and find peace
I take a deep breath
Inhale
Exhale
And breathe
Zyreail H., University of South Carolina
Connect With Us
To follow IfYoureReadingThis at UofSC on Instagram, get in touch with our chapter, and learn about more resources available to UofSC students, visit our chapter’s homepage.
AUTHOR CONTACT
This author has opted to allow readers who resonate with their story to contact them. If you would like to speak to the author of this letter about their experience, please use the form below.
