The tension
is in the sound
Of car doors closing
Of wheels stirring
The wind whirring

The strain
Is in sirens blaring
Flashing lights flaring
The tired eyes staring

The constriction
Is in the sound
Of coffee mugs
Dripping taps
The silent gaps

The binding
Is in the whirlpool
Of silky smooth tea
The steam that rises
Clearing our sinuses

The squeeze
Is in the formation
Of language
Trying to display
This anguish

The choking
Is in the tears
Of throats narrowing
Alienated from the world
Detached, harrowing

Severed ties
With humanity
Twice removed
From our sanity.

(C) 2016 Feb