Deep breath
In then out

Eyes closed
Squeezing shut

Feeling the sensations
Of every movement
Willing or not

A tingle
Starting in my spine
Moving up
Up
Up to my neck
Across my shoulders...

Deep breath
In then out

And finally
Finally that sweet, sweet

release

Tingle subsiding
Retreating back to my spine
Until I hardly notice it

Deep breath
In then out

Chest rising
Falling
Muscles tensing
No tingle this time
No warning
No sensation

Just a
Sudden
movement
A sudden
jerk

Deep breath
In then out

Muscles relaxing
My neck is sore
A different but familiar sensation
Not one of warning
But one of consequence

Too many feelings
All the time
Unable to be controlled
Or stopped

Unwanted companions

Deep breath
In then out

Accepting these sensations
These tingles and urges
The sore muscles
That will follow me always

But I am no fool
These companions of mine
Are not here to help me
They are here to bother me
To annoy me

They bring these sensations
A tingling spine or neck
Tensed muscles in my back or hands
Muscles straining in my eyes

Sensations are not always good
Let me be the cautionary tale

Deep breath
In then out

I will not
Let these sensations rule my life
I will not
Let them hinder me

I am more than sensations
I am more than what I cannot control
I am resilient and strong

I am
Sensational

(this is one of my favorite poems I have ever written)