Storm Before the Calm by Jennifer Helt

The

anxieties of

my day build:

an empty stomach and

caffeine overdose guarantee I won’t

easily focus in Greek today. On

Academic Row, I’m convinced every laugh overheard

is at my expense – it follows me to

my dorm room. When I work, focus eludes me,

making one verb conjugation take an hour. What is relaxation?

All I know is the tightness in my chest, shallow breaths,

and innumerable bodily aches. Neurosis sleeps at the foot of my bed;

She wakes me by gripping my heart, a loyal companion at the very least.

Some days I wish She would at least take a day off, but then

She’s been with me for so long, I’m not sure how I’d fill Her space.