Moment of Silence

My heart beats faster,

I feel a tightening in my chest,

A moment of unease encompasses me.

Mentally, I choose to be a step ahead.

In an instant, I place my feet down firmly,

grounding myself,

building strength within my being

while reducing my emotional reaction.

I navigate the moment before it can take over,

I recognize the triggers, both hers and mine.

I stand tall, with grace and poise,

Avoiding future regret from all the unneeded

noise

Of words I’d later wish I had never said,

Or thoughts that only I should have kept within

my head.

I found a way forward, a better ending too,

Taking a moment of silence before responding,

with finer feeling moments left to accrue.