Breathe

I refuse to succumb to the crushing wave
Barreling through my veins, on a crash course
for nothing but pain, unchained fear.

I bite hard into the flesh of my lip
and with a mouthful of metal,
locate the stubborn, broken fighter in me.

I stand up wearily,
not willing the pulse to drop, 
but forcing it to rise and fight.

I will not let you push me under.
I refuse to be a coward, 
clinging to my fears like a shining emblem,
a glossy tribute to comfort, my weakness.

As my heart threatens to burst from my chest, 
I summon the will to squash the tiny, berating voice,
widen my lips into a bloody grin,

and defeat you with a single word:

Breathe.

Author's Note

This is the reworking of "Taking a Stance" I think the small changes I made near the end made it different enough that I felt it needed a new name.

I would like some feedback. Thanks! :)