It Happens

The older generations say it’s normal

When my heart stops in it’s own train tracks

Like it’s frozen in a time machine

My superiors say I’m overreacting

When my tongue falls loose of my mouth

And my lungs cry for air.

My educators say it happens to everyone

When I have to count my fingers

To remind myself that the numbness isn’t real.

My guides tell me I’m overreacting

When my vision goes black and is replaced with tears

To avoid the judgement of glaring eyes.

You’re just a kid, everyone said

Wait until you’re an adult, they all said

Everyone gets anxious, the adults said

It happens, they said.