Anxiety

It starts in my shoulders
I find myself stooping, slumped
Blades retracted, too close
Cramped, I am withered and hiding.

Then my jaw, clenched, tight
I try to release and relax
opening and closing my mouth
like a silent little gold fish

It manifests through my arms
down to my finger nails
This buzzing, anxiety in my veins
I feel like I am shaking when I'm still

Rarely does it reach my stomach
Somehow it skips to my bladder
Sends me trembling through the house
I don't close the door anymore

My biceps are conductors
and the electricity prickles and pulses
I am fizzy, tortured soda pop
Threatening to erupt, to explode

I'm not always sure
why lightning strikes
or why I can't shake
the thunder