Nerves

What are nerves?

a feeling.

 

It’s when an elephant is sitting on your chest

when it’s so obvious all that’s there

is thin cotton and cheap logos.

 

It’s when breath can’t be caught

and the heart’s constant flutter

leaves you uneasy and flighted.

 

It’s seeing your loved one’s eyes

ready to be the earthquake

to tsunami your full heart.

 

It’s the endless carted train of thoughts

that chug in through one ear

out the other

and around your head

in a never-ending circle.

 

It’s the unknown.

 

The travel to a foreign land

where your mind and body

can’t so easily adjust

to the rush of exotic people,

places,

things.

 

It’s the adaptation

when your routine is finally yours

and you’re no longer your routine.

 

It’s the little things you realize

when you get out of bed

and confidently go about your day.

 

It’s when second guessing

and doubting

is no longer your constant.

 

It’s getting your sea legs

and finally saying

“i’ve got this.”

 

It’s catching yourself

calling this foreign land

home.

 

The butterflies replace elephants

Cotton replaces tension

The tsunami passes

And the earthquake halts.

 

It’s when nerves become knowledge

And you’re finally home.