.

The Hectic Life

_Sometimes we get discouraged
_With life and all its fuss,
Its raucous moments speeding by
_Like children on a bus.

_It’s all the hectic worries,
_The troubles and the stress,
That pull us down and tear us up
_And make our life a mess.

_They make our life seem jumbled,
_Completely uncontrolled
Like puzzle pieces scattered out
_And more than you can hold.

_If we can but slow it down
_And gather one by one,
We’ll slowly see it come together
_And soon the puzzle’s done.

_So look up and don’t you worry,
_For if you’re looking down
It’s hard to see the path ahead
_And all your friends around.

.

.

Anxiety

A tightening up within my chest—
The feeling everything’s a guess.
The fear of everything I see—
My nerves are straining to be free.
Hands are shaky, body tense—
The world’s closing in, I sense.
My body fixed, it’s stuck in place.
My nerves are screaming to escape—
I want to go, I want to stay,
I need to stand, I need to lay.
Should I scream or should I sing?
I don’t know the slightest thing.
A feeling of impending doom—
Perhaps a tree will smash the room;
Who knows but if I go outside
The earth will open up, divide.
I know that if I try, I’ll fail.
There’s debt collections in the mail,
A panic rising in my chest.
Who knows if I’ll survive the test—
I cannot sleep or stay awake,
I feel as if my mind will break,
I know that when I go to bed,
A thousand thoughts run through my head.

…Perhaps I’ll sigh a yearning prayer
That God will keep me in His care.
I lay my head down, now to rest,
My friend Lord Jesus in my breast.

.

.

Thor Kangas is from Castle Rock, Washington.

NOTE TO READERS: If you enjoyed this poem or other content, please consider making a donation to the Society of Classical Poets.

The Society of Classical Poets does not endorse any views expressed in individual poems or commentary.


Trending now:

7 Responses

  1. Roy Eugene Peterson

    “The Hectic Life” is beautifully conceived and phrased with your inspiration of the images of puzzle pieces. Since I have enjoyed putting puzzle pieces together, your poem was particularly meaningful to me. “Anxiety” is an affliction most of us have had with the stress of daily life and its exigencies. You sought the perfect refuge that at last brings sleep and relief. Bless your heart, for I often ascribe to the thought that a poem may reflect a personal situation of which we write in the hope of finding solace.

    Reply
  2. Russel Winick

    Thor – I appreciate both of these poems. It’s certainly relatable to sometimes be so preoccupied and worried that we miss the joys around us, and to turn more fully to faith in times of fear. Very worthy subjects. Thanks for the reads.

    Reply
  3. Paul A. Freeman

    Two very topical poems on how overwhelming life can be these days, so much more than in days past when all seemed so black and white and you had a choice between only two types of toothpaste.

    The (jigsaw) puzzle pieces analogy is very relatable. Again, until the border pieces are fitting together, the task can initially seems insurmountable.

    Thanks for the reads, Thor.

    Reply
  4. Christina (Mrs.B)

    I really love both of these, while the one about anxiety hits me because if the details describing an attack are so real, I could literally remember an exact instance where I felt that crippling anxiety.. Hectic life was the in for me though.. I feel like my puzzle pieces are sometimes scattered and I’m spread thin in this fast paced life we’re all living, But it’s a good life and il get where I’m going or where I’m meant to be when the time is right! Thank you for sharing! I love seeing your work! I can always relate and it makes it so real!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.