Poetry: Please Understand by Nicole Reiter

Please Understand

My friend,

please forgive me.

I do want

to spend some time with you.

 

But I can’t leave the spacious indoors.

 

Outside is too claustrophobic,

with a boa constrictor always constricting

my breathing— my

blood flow waiting for an ischemic attack.

 

The trees are too close. And the branches are always

punching, grabbing, pushing,

spinning me like a top.

I’m afraid I’ll fly off the planet.

 

Gravity is cement

poured over my legs,

keeping me in place,

burning my skin.

 

The wind on a breezeless day is

Screaming in my ears.

And a mirage of colors turns monochromatic

with black spots—the way it always does before I pass out.

 

It’s a scary world.

Outside of my house.

 

You’re mad

thinking I am through with you.

That’s not it. I enjoy your company.

Please try and understand

 

Agoraphobia.

Nicole Reiter lives in North Carolina. She is a writer, photographer, and medical assistant. She enjoys spending her free time outdoors and practicing martial arts.