By: Lauren Perri
Content advisory: This poem deals with themes related to addiction and mental health.
Inhale.
Breathe.
He faces his demons again and again.
Physically, spiritually, emotionally and socially.
He’s restless and tired, but he continues his fight.
Between every breath, addiction embraces tighter.
Inhale.
Breathe.
Stay calm, close your eyes, and sustain the pain.
The roller-coaster begins.
He’s sober, we’re hopeful, and my families together.
Drop.
No, not again, please someone listen. I don’t understand.
Falling. Crashing. Pain.
I’ve lost him again.
Inhale.
Breathe.
The cycle continues, yet her smile fades.
Her light no longer shines, her hope is no longer high.
His father is sinking and dwindling to nothing.
His emptiness could swallow the world.
His mother is running as far as she can.
To hide from her son, and the path of destruction.
I, his little sister, try to be grown.
I need to save you.
I can’t do this on my own.
Your face is fading, and crumbling away.
I need you here. Please don’t go.
Inhale.
Breathe.
You fall, I fall.
You hurt, I hurt.
You rise, I try.
Save you, save me.
Inhale.
Breathe.
About “Breathe”
This written piece was a winning submission (third place) for the 2020 Academic Skills Writing Contest. The 2020 theme was “sustain.”
About the Academic Skills Writing Contest
The 2021 Academic Skills Writing Contest is accepting submissions from January 18 until February 5, 2021.