Breathe. You have to breathe. It'll be alright. You've been in worse situations.
Breathe. In and out. That's all I tell myself anymore.
Keep breathing until the next paycheck. It will be easier after that one. The one after that.
Then the next one.
Bills are overdue, rent is barely being paid on time.
Food runs out before I can afford to buy more.
All I want to do is cry.
This isn't completely my fault, why is this how the world is?
Tears sting, threatening to spill.
I can't even keep my fish tank completely full,
I'm scared to buy just a few gallons of water.
Waves of guilt and failure wash over me.
I'm doing the best I can!
I cry out, but it remains inside.
This has been my entire adult life.
Various states of constantly worrying about money.
My body hurts, my hands are so calloused.
I just want to have enough to keep up.
I want enough to buy Christmas presents.
That's all.
My chest tightens as a few tears fall.
Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. In and out.
You can make it get better
So long as you keep breathing.
In and out.
Don't stop.
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140,236 Literary Works • 673,049 Reviews
First of all, this is a really good poem that portrays stress, and can connect with many people and their experiences. I like how it's formatted so it seems like the narrator/character is in the middle of having a panic attack or overcoming one.
Second of all, the use of italics like in the line, "I'm doing the best I can!" shows how emotional it is.
Overall, really good.
Your poem "Just keep breathing" struck a powerful chord with me. The raw honesty and vulnerability you've captured here is truly moving.
The repetition of "Breathe. In and out." serves as both a mantra for the narrator and a rhythmic backbone for the piece, effectively conveying the constant struggle to stay afloat in difficult times. Your vivid descriptions of financial hardship - overdue bills, the fear of buying even a few gallons of water - paint a stark picture of the challenges many face in today's world.
I was particularly touched by the line "I just want to have enough to keep up. I want enough to buy Christmas presents." It's a simple wish that speaks volumes about the narrator's priorities and the weight of their situation.
The internal dialogue, set apart in italics, adds depth to the emotional landscape. It shows the constant self-talk required to push through adversity, which many readers will find relatable.
Your poem resonates with the experiences of countless individuals navigating financial instability. It's a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
Thank you for sharing this powerful piece. Keep writing, and most importantly, keep breathing.