paralyzed

i find myself

paralyzed by waiting

...

it's as if the world around me

slows

stops

the pen doesn't drip

drop

onto the page of the next moment

my bones become statuesque

my temper short

people play waiting games

like they're sport

i wouldn't even want to be a referee

sorry, darling, waiting's not for me

time slows and speeds all at once

and

voices whisper

my heartbeat stops

my hands grow sweaty

and a headache forms

right at the precipice of the last good thought

i had

i hate waiting

"hate is a strong word"

well,

i've never been one for

patience, haven't

you heard?

oh,

and then my stomach

boils and churns

worse than

[name your local eatery here]

my body's overcome with fear

flight or fight?

i think i faint

no!

freeze

paralyzed head, shoulders,

toes and knees

how long's it been?

not long enough

man, this sucks.

waiting's rough