My Heart Forgets To Breath

Kussmaul 
a german man
for which a pattern 
of breathing was named 
breathing that is a reflex
which the body uses
to correct a sickness
at first shallow 
then deep and fast
Cheyne-Stokes
a pair of men
which coined death breathing
breathing which in its 
irregular pattern
sometimes even stops
as death knocks
I am not a pillar physician
for which my breathing 
can be named
but what do I call
the breathing which
overtakes me when you near
no pattern at all in fact
sometimes I just forget
forget to take a breath
until my body realizes
I am starving and gasps
and even then I wince 
with each breath
as if all my energy
concentrated on loving you
burns away and my lungs
can't quite reserve 
enough to breath 
in the times you 
come close to me
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Be the first to comment on this poem. Encourage this poet.

Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace