BREATHE

A Poem by Betty Hermelee

burdens

BREATHE

Breathe deep

meditate

body torn asunder

fragmented by too many burdens

Breathe deep

my heart races

mind agitates

running backwards

here, there, nowhere

Breathe deep

commitments overwhelm

pulse races

incidents to befall

Breathe deep

yoga positions

soft gong music

Namaste

© 2025 Betty Hermelee

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Reviews

Mauricio Montoya

Betty you made think of this by Sia, Breathe me, its a good song and this write reflects what one should do.
Thank you for sharing.

Posted 2 Weeks Ago

MrBlack202

The most natural way of resetting one's mind before heading into any situation. Short and sweet I love the poem.

Posted 1 Month Ago

1 Month Ago

Thank you for your fine review!
Appreciated!
Warmly
B🌷

John the Baptist

Good advice in a clearly worded manner here. Sometimes breathing deeply is the only thing we can do in the face of life's demands. Actually we should do it when demands are few. Yoga is one of the best sources of breathing instruction.

Posted 1 Month Ago

1 Month Ago

Thank you always John for a meaningful review!
Warmly, B

Pete

they sure can weigh us down. i like your recipe for relaxation. the pause that refreshes.

Posted 2 Months Ago

2 Months Ago

My only salvation sear Pete, thank you for all support and clever reviews!!!
Warmly, B

Chris Shaw

This is the breathing space, essential when feeling overwhelmed. Practice deep breathing. You have poemed perfectly Betty what I put into practice. It really does help. The gong rounds it off beautifully. Calms the chaotic mind and the more you practice, the better the results. Wonderfully penned and words of wisdom for those anxious times.

Chris

Posted 2 Months Ago

2 Months Ago

You are spot on Chris and I appreciate you!!! I re-started yoga!
Warmly
B🌷🌷🌷

2 Months Ago

Good luck with the yoga Betty. I have never tried it. Perhaps I should :)

Jansy

Hi B. This poem really captures the struggle of trying to find calm while life keeps pulling you in every direction. Each “Breathe deep” feels both hopeful and heavy, showing how mindfulness can be a fragile companion rather than a cure. The tension between ritual and overwhelm is so real and beautifully conveyed.
-James

Posted 2 Months Ago

2 Months Ago

Dear Janay
An excellent review! You really felt my vibes, thank you so much!
Warmly B�.. read more

Michael Sun Bear

I really like this Betty. I think your repetition of “Breathe deep” beginning each stanza is very effective. I like that there is no excess wordiness; you have carefully chosen and placed a minimal number of words to strongly tell your story. I suffer from anxiety myself, and when watching my breath in meditation, I draw out the space between breaths longer and longer, finding some peace in that emptiness. I just love your last stanza which closes on a more peaceful, relaxing note “ soft gong music, Namaste” Well done my friend, well done.

Posted 2 Months Ago

2 Months Ago

Dear Michael
Welcome to the club! And thank you immensely for a very honest and thoughtful re.. read more

RomaJ

B, I love how this poem captures the pulse of overwhelm and the fragile attempts at calm. “Breathe deep” becomes a mantra, a lifeline amid racing thoughts and endless burdens. The tension between chaos and mindful practice is palpable, making each breath feel both urgent and sacred.

..Roma

Posted 2 Months Ago

2 Months Ago

Dear Roma
Your understanding of this frenetic poem has deep meaning for me; thank you for a b.. read more

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8 Reviews

Added on November 6, 2025
Last Updated on November 6, 2025

Author

Betty Hermelee

Black Mountain, NC

About

My love of poetry results from my love of art. As a painter I am able to express myself on a canvas. As a poet my words come from my heart, my moods, sometimes sad, mostly upbeat. I like to use vivid .. more..