an overwhelmed mind

Poetry from the Soul

Aug 26, 2025

“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”—William James

TW: References panic attack

I cannot rant when all is unclear,
Whether the pain comes from there or here.
I whisper and close my eyes to pray,
But not one word or thought can stay.

If there were only a moment to finally still,
I’d need a cup in hand to fill—
With all the thoughts and tears below,
The ones that run to and fro.

Anger, sadness, a twinge of joy,
Running around, ready to destroy—
My mind that can no longer feel
What once I knew was very real.

There’s too much pain,
Pouring down on me like rain.
No light remains for me to see,
Only darkness echoing all around me.

My mind is racing,
My breath is pacing.
My eyes are blurred,
My heart is stirred.

If only I remembered how to catch my breath,
I could slow the thoughts that whisper of death.
But now I argue with logic and sound,
Two minds fighting within one bound.

Remember when I used to play?
When I could stay outside all day?
The sun would shine and popsicles melt,
That was the only sadness I felt.

Remember how the ocean waves would flow?
Or the days school was canceled due to snow?
The joy I’d feel taking off my clothes,
Before snuggling under and covering my nose.

Take a breath—you’re still you.
The giggle box and monkey too!
The little girl who’d jump around,
The little boy hanging upside down.

You’re still the kid who claimed the swings,
Who secretly went through Grandma’s things.
Life was simple, life was grand,
But maybe now you understand.

Focusing in and directing your thoughts,
Keeps them from tying themselves into knots.
So think on what is good and kind,
This will ease an overwhelmed mind.

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