THE SUM OF ALL FEARS

The miracle of life came crashing into me. Life
used to be a never-ending spectrum, jam-packed
with opportunities galore, only now you begin to
realize that all your hopes and dreams are shot,
are doused like water on fire.

You used to be good at sports.
Basketball and soccer were your favorites.
You used to excel in school, but all this is
over now ...
you have other things to think about.

You try to be positive, try to keep your head
above water as your life crashes in, but IT is always
there; you cannot run from it, nor escape it.
You are in the eye of a tornado, and you can
only watch as your life passes around you.

You desperately need to talk to someone, need
to exhale every last thought that is besieging
your mind, but the hand of fear holds you by
the throat ...
after all, what will mommy and daddy say?

by Ryan P., Gilford, NH