Tea with Anxiety by Lisa Molina

Anxiety squeezed my lungs with 

sharp talons, punching its fists 

on my heart through my chest. 

Anxiety clutched my throat and strangled it so that I could not speak or eat.. 

Anxiety would then release it unexpectedly so I would lash out at those I loved.  

Anxiety danced and sang its primordial songs while dancing around the fire of my amygdala.

Now, Anxiety, I know you’re still here, 

and I accept that you 

will always be a part of me. 

When I 

dance/laugh/cry/taste/embrace/sing/read/write/make love

I realize Anxiety, 

you and I have finally 

learned to coexist. 

When Life brings 

on the darkness, 

as it will, 

I just look at you, Anxiety, 

smile, breathe, wave, 

knowing that you will 

eventually pass.

So let’s just hang out and have some tea,

shall we?

Cream or sugar?

---

Lisa Molina is a writer and educator in Austin, Texas. She has taught high school English and theatre, served as Associate Publisher of Austin Family Magazine, and now works with students with special needs. Her writing can be found in Trouvaille Review,Amethyst Review, Bright Flash Literary Review, Beyond Words Magazine, Neologism Poetry, and The Ekphrastic Review.