Neve Vesalius Poet Free verse

Asphyxia

What does it feel like to drown.
I don't know.
But I do know what it feels like to sink.
The world's eyes are on me but I can't see them back.
I look down but there is no ground.
My head starts pounding.
What do I have to do to stop.
What must I do to get my head to stop twisting around and around.
I'm not an owl. My skin is tearing.
My neck hurts but my head is still spinning.
I can't call out for help because they will fall into this tornado with me.
I don't know what to do.
How do I startle my nervous system.
Cold water is too far away.
I can't do this.
I must do this.

Crap. That was too far.
It's flooding. What do I do.
I can't stop it. What do I do.
My head hurts.
I can't breath.
I'm asphyxiating.

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Florence Bondarenko April 18, 2026 at 2:01 PM Such a great way to describe something like depression. I'm wishing you only the best

Ghairo Daniels April 5, 2026 at 7:02 PM Neve, This condition is a frightening one to have. I’m grateful that you have highlighted it, in a poetic way. I understand constant deep breathing helps. Your detailed description is well done. Sending Easter blessings., Ghairo. Neve Vesalius April 6, 2026 at 9:50 AM Thank you for your comment! It's less of a condition, more like a mental state for me but this is also from the point of view of me three years ago. Happy Easter as well Ghairo!