You Can Breathe Again
We were in the upper region of the Artic.
It was cold; our breaths were recorded in the atmosphere
I was huffing and puffing as I climbed.
Shh! Our guide said.
I could not help it; I am an asthmatic.
Shh! The others said.
I was annoyed now.
I have asthma, I told them. I cannot help it!
Too bad, the guide said, “For you are annoying the cougar”.
I looked into large dark eyes, and my heart stopped.
I knew I was in trouble.
When encountering a big cat, do not run, my training said.
As if I could run.
I was completely still, trying not to breathe.
I began to hyperventilate, which seemed to draw his gaze.
I averted my eyes, not wanting to challenge him.
“She is gone,” the guide said. “You can breathe again.”
As if I could.
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