I Calmed Myself

I calmed myself intentionally For my back was breaking Under the anger of paperwork Nothing puts me in a worse mood I slow my breathing, telling myself we can do this A raging fire of hatred is not easily tamped down It is not what I wanted to do today Or any other day. My neck, back and spine are cracking. There is pressure that is ready to explode. You are okay, I sooth myself. Reminding my child self that it is not a daily thing. We can do this, I reassure her. It is only once a year. She bats her eyes at me, making me laugh. A palatable start. My breathing begins to slow. My eyes close, and I take the nap we both needed.