Stay

Heads turn as the room spins

I catch my breath, a sharp intake of cold air

My head drops, chin dips

Eyes downcast

I slow or time slows

I can’t quite tell

Under my skin, into my veins

I can’t drown out the noise

But I take refuge in the silence

Gasp for more air, more life

Sweat slips from my hands

Blood rushes from here to there

Heart to cheeks, to nose

To please

What do I anticipate? What do I see?

My throat closes, locks like a door

Won’t unlock

Run, escape, flight

But I can stand

I will stay