Breathe

I catch myself taking shallow breaths, particularly when I’m by myself. I can feel my tongue tighten on the roof of my mouth. My jaw clenches. Flashes of memory come into my mind, some welcome, some so haunting I stop breathing altogether. In for four. Hold for four. Out for four. Repeat.

My dad passed on this date four years ago. In for four. Hold for four. Out for four.

We still have details to finish for Bryan’s service. In for four. Hold for four. Out for four.

Another day with him gone. In for four. Hold for four. Out for four.

In for four. Hold for four. Out for four.