The Way of Cycles

a predictable pattern 
emerges in the

beginning 

it's simple enough to start,
but this is the way of cycles.  
at first, it's just a thought.
                                                                                   
but the thought,
cues the subsequent spiraling 
the pulsing under ribs 
infusion into breast and breath
and the frontal lobe gets right sucked in.

tricky to ignore
problematic persistance 
with the evolution of the evidentiary
demand to escape this wild discomfort,
the scream that's clawing to be free 

 with desperation ensuing you
find it's impossible to resist
this overwhelming need to 
(insert avoidance 
response) or to
(insert compulsive 
behavior) or you 
(insert reassurance
seeking) and 
for a muddled minute

you feel a little better? 

                                                               
But, a cycle is cyclical.   
                                                           
It does not end. And, after all is said and done-
guess who's back at the 

beginning? 

my dear friend,
what an imagination you have,
what a cleverly fictional tale,
what a wildly untrue concoction
of made-up narrations,
of impossible scenarios,
of mind-boggling ramblings 
     
 of lies. 
 
existing, right here, in your own mind. 
and who are you to question?

if you think it, it must be true!?
if you believe it, it must be real!?
if you can feel it, mustn't it mean something!? 
                                             
not really. or 
not at all. but,
                                          
don't be too hard on yourself,
there's always time for a new

beginning. 
or end.

and dear, 
the thing about cycles? 

                                                                                 you can 
                                                                                                step 
                                                               out 
                                                                       of them.                                                              

Photo by Javier Esteban on Unsplash