Stuart Rawlinson #6 - Don't Forget to Breathe

Inhale
Exhale
Repeat

The instructions seemed simple enough

I got off to a strong start – my
Length, depth and duration
Received my peers’ applause

Then obstacles shot out
Without warning
Kinder eggs cost me hiccups
Gasps at some such surprise

A circuit of shocks
Caught my breath
Involuntary pauses
Hesitantly, taught me
Lessons like a neighbour
Confiscating
A ball that appeared
Over the garden wall

I got a handle on it though
Even adult distractions of
Sudden brown envelopes
No longer phased. But then

My heart got in on the act

A missed beat
Flutters
Awful palpitations

Lungs and blood pump
Scheming, keeping me
On my toes
Until the final trick

Which can’t be won
Takes my final breath