Overwhelmed

The lights are too bright,

the colors far too many.

Sounds crash over me—

too loud, too sharp—

while the energy thrums

with a relentless, steady beat.

Pressure crowds in on all sides,

pushing me into directions

my body was never meant to bend.

I cover my ears

to escape the cacophony.

I squeeze my eyes shut

to block out the grotesque caricature

of daily living.

And slowly,

so slowly,

I let myself sink into the silence—

seeking peace

in the quiet center

of being overwhelmed

~S~