Gasping for air,

My chest burns.

Each breath a sharp knife,

Twisting and stabbing.

Losing control of the pain,

I'm struggling to breathe.

Shifting and settling,

Each position uncomfortable.

No matter the angle,

The pain burns deep within.

The clock ticks away,

I count each minute.

The pill is down my throat,

As much I can.

Hoping and praying,

For the pain to ease - even a little.

Of course it's never that easy,

To swallow the pills.

It's never as simple,

The pain always the winner.

Gasping for air,

My chest burns.

The clock ticks away

And the cycle continues.