The anxiety of life flows
through my body and into
the grip, and squeeze, of my jaw.
I find myself gritting teeth,
clamping down, attempting to control.
Years of dance training, soft face,
relax the jaw, wet mouth, easy breath, gone.
Potential upheaval, courses through my blood,
tumbling myself off, away from my center
while I foolishly believe my mandible,
grinding, wearing down enamel, and my peace,
can contain all the what if’s.