Breathe In, Breathe Out Poem by Nokukhanya Madiba

Breathe in, breathe out.
Heart pacing.
On the edge.
Feelings converge
Of fear, of rage.
It's intense.
Rock solid tense.
So much pressure.
Breathe in, breathe out.

Sore muscles.
Lost appetite.
No movement.
Just deadlines.
All taking.
All demanding.
Nothing to give.
Nothing but pressure.
Breathe in, breathe out.

A smile relieves.
A word lifts.
A gift amazes.
A flower beautifies.
Music, frequency up.
Nature, escape.
A laugh exhales.
A hug dissolves.
Some love, I forget.
All love, away it goes.
A community, pressure fizzles.
Breathe in, breathe out.

I continue, I progress.
Keep at it, feel better.
Remember the why.
Take breaks, feel good.
Give up, give in.
I can do this!
Completed, aha!
Mama, I made it,
No pressure.
Breathe in, Breathe out.

Pressure produces,
Patient endurance.
Proven character.
Confident assurance.
Rocks to diamonds.
Diamond sparkles.
Pressure to Power.
Inhale, Exhale.

Morning comes.
Sun shines.
Birds sing.
Body moves.
Cup is full.
Emotions emerge.
Of relief, Of joy.
Of resilience.
Perseverance.
Glory to God.
Pressured but not crushed.
Breathe in, Breathe out.