This is intense, Saffie! You really color this poem and let it speak... I've luckily never gone through a panic attack, but I know it affects probably more people than I would think. I'm sure it would be very hard to live with especially in social situations, trying to avoid what triggers or what causes anxiety. I like the simile with the industrial oven and how you go through the process of how it escalates, to the point where one can't breathe. That is very scary to think about! I remember reading in psychology about the "fight or flight" response we have in dangerous situations. The ending reminds me that this is something the person may frequently go through, and that sometimes it can't be helped if the person isn't prepared? I don't know if there's medication one could be put on, but you clearly showed the person's plea for this to be over with the "pray to find my breath".

Thanks for sharing!

This is a wonderful description of a panic attack. Each stanza describes the different levels of anxiety that happens right before, during and after a panic attack occurs.

Starting out with 'Suddenly" was a smart idea because panic attacks usually happen unexpectedly. Your temperature rises to an abnormal degree and you begin to sweat heavily while your adrenaline pumps and your mind goes a little hazy. Your heart beats faster and faster until you just feel you can no longer gasp for air. You feel dizzy and start seeing stars and just all of it bombards you at once to the point that you think you won't be able to survive it and the only option you have is to wait it out. Afterwards, when your mind and body is winding down, you feel completely exhausted.

Great imagery throughout, you took me back to a time when I had a panic attack myself. I've only had one that I recall, I didn't even know what it was at the time because I'd never experienced it before. I kept nodding my head as I read each stanza, knowing exactly how each stage feels. Nice job!

I know what its like to have one for I've gone through it and reading this poem took me into that experience once again. Each verse was very descriptive that it makes the reader hold his/her breath..I especially liked the ending:

"pray to find my breath."

An intense and gripping write!