night terrors

at night
my chest becomes entwined
with a hundred yards full
of kudzu vines
wrapping twice around my neck,
breath laboring
to enter and leave

a thought:
too many circumstances
you being divided from me
daily headlines
filling daily fear

every moment a passing opportunity
to waste away in my arms

i gave this privilege to you.
be honored -
i haven't given it to many.
the thought of sudden rupture
always good enough
to keep any thought
too long

except you.
finding my structural weaknesses
and deconstructing them
placating my fear,
arms tight -

it is almost always alright
until the moment
where a great weight
is compressing my lungs,
needing you to whisper that

you will never go
from this world without me