The panic

When it hits

It hits hard

and fast

It likes to come

at the oddest times

Unloading the dishwasher

Reading an innocent text

In the middle of church

When it sneaks in a little

I can put it back where it belongs

In the trash

Not in my heart

Not in my head

When it attacks

Hard and fast

and my defenses are down

It gets in

but only for a minute

Only for a few tears

Only for a few paniced breaths

Of fear

Of hate

Of rage

Peace

Be still

I muster inside

In my mind

Then my heart

And panic knows

It is not welcome here

Not now

Not ever