trapped in a glass box

my vision is swimming

and i can't hear the voices that drift past

sounds like i'm underwater

feels like i'm drowning

please throw stones at me, try and break me free

after all, the only person the glass cuts is me

anxiety anxiety anxiety help

panic bubbles up in my throat

they don't understand why i can't say my name and favorite color

let alone do a presentation in front of the entire class

y'know, when i leave for school, so early that the sun's not even out,

i have to put my puppy in his cage

a few months ago, he'd cry when i shut the metal door

but now, he lays in his tiny silver prison before i even wake up

...sometimes i feel like that too

like i'm trapped before the light has a chance to hit my face

so i just tell him i'm sorry

and i shove my hands in my pockets

so no one will see them shaking