Spilled Tea

The Monster

Sharp twists in my stomach,
the feeling of the uncontrollable
lifting of my shoulders to my neck.
Lying still will make it worse.

Deep breathing makes
the fire raise in my throat
and burn everything there.

There's a tightness everywhere.

Breathing hurts.

Strings are wrapped
around my body
and something is there,
pulling them tighter
and crushing me.

It's excruciating.

What caused this?

I only just woke,
why is this monster
attacking me from the inside out?

Why has this monster been
attacking me in my bed
every single morning?

Can you see it?

If you can,
ask it why it won't
let me sleep.

I can feel it
crawling up my covers
right now.