THE HOTEL ANGST



It isn’t a glittering grotto
               splendid in crystal like a geode
                              or all rubies
like a split pomegranate,          it’s just a cave
               cool, black basalt and darkness
                              this metaphorical redoubt
urn-shaped,         a tight fit, but I can squeeze
               into the furthest, narrowest end
                               and the entrance is too small to admit
Anxiety prowling and pacing outside.
                               It isn’t comfortable at all,          in fact
               it hurts,          but it’s safe in its way
                              and I can zone out into nothingness

                                       for a while.

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