Illogical Panic

This is a stage poem designed to be acted out, so bear that in mind as you read it. It is difficult to get the full impact without the physical actions that were meant to go with it. This was part of a creative writing project that I was part of a few years ago.

by: Leanne S. Pippin
©Copyright 2006

Loneliness envelopes
A mocking echo joins its vicious game.
Surrounding shadows betrayed
By the suns lingering light.

Scattered thoughts
Fear swallows logic.
The scuffle of heels against stone and
tired raspy breaths struggle to dominate.

Thump, thump

A heart beats a rhythm

Thump, thump, thump

Faster it beats
Harder with each labored inhalation
It fights to keep up its strength.

Small drops of perspiration trickle and fall.
Tiny bumps form on sensitive flesh
The result of an afternoons failing heat.

Balance falters

Panic grows

THUMP, THUMP, THUMP

Bruised and Torn flesh temporally numb

THUMP, THUMP, THUMP, THUMP

A soft whimper ensues.

Eyes dart swiftly from side to side
Searching the pending darkness.
Images invade the emotions,
Time slows and senses mature.

Small sounds increase to maddening volumes.
The head pounds with percussion accuracy.

THUMP, THUMP, THUMP, THUMP

Tears obstruct clear vision
Adrenaline gives strength to aching muscles
A mind sets its sight on a glimmering light ahead.

Abused feet swiftly carry a soul to its destination.
A door opens and slams shut.

THUMP, THUMP, THUMP

A sudden feeling of safety

An exhausted body collapses in a heap upon the floor.
An otherwise quiet room is disturbed by
A deep exhale and a drawn out
Sigh of relief.

A heart slows its rhythm

THUMP, THUMP, thump
Thump, thump
Thump