The morning rush
Leaves me dizzy
Cars here n there
Everyone is busy

I just can’t focus
My nerves are shot
I loosen my tie
But still I’m hot

Not even my coffee
Is helping today
My chest is tight
The sky is gray

The air looks thick
So I hold my breath
Wonder if it’ll help
To delay my death

The day drags on
I try to stay awake
But my coffee is cold
No time for a break

I sit up straight
As the boss walks by
And when he’s passed
I cough out a sigh

The clock is ticking
Louder by the minute
There’s one more hour
But I’ve reached my limit

Finally it’s time
Adrenaline fills me up
But now there’s traffic
My shoulders slump

My grip tightens
Patience worn thin
Still in disbelief
Over the jam I’m in

I spy an opening
The sea finally parts
I almost jump for joy
As the cars begin to start

The way at last clear
I feel like I could cry
But I choke back the tears
Though I don’t know why

I at last take my place
In the race against time
Flying through intersections
Like I’m fleeing a crime

There’s one final hurdle
I’ll see home at last
Grateful to leave mayhem
In rear views past

© 2021 Michelle Cook

---

Photo credit:  https://pixabay.com/photos/traffic-jam-vehicles-highway-auto-3460563/

Poetry prompt:  I’ve sort of been in a slump lately when it comes to writing and decided to ask my hubby to start giving me daily prompts.  This is the first one… Mad morning mayhem.