On tenterhooks

I’ve been sitting on the edge of my heart’s seat for so long, the insomnia doesn’t go away. Can’t breathe, can’t live, can’t think.

The words choke and hack, like an old man with his last breath. The chest caves in, like rib bones suddenly crushed, ready to puncture lungs.

For pity’s sake, just tell me so I can die and move on.

image photoshopped
original image by Ye Rin Mok @ gettyimages