The Stifling Protector

by Melody Lin

It incubates in the cracks and crevices,
making itself at home.

Unwarranted and unwanted.

No one can stop it,
except the host.

But that's rare.

It starts as a seed, if not smaller.
Just an inkling of its approach can set it into calamitous motion
in a plane with negligible friction.

It consumes you.
Me.
Us.

So recognize it. Catch it. Become comfortable with it because it will always be there.
And one day,
acknowledge that while it may hinder,
it also protects.