Panic Poem by Shauna Barnett

You make me blush
You make my body quiver
You make me lose control
You overwhelm me
My ugly lover

You come when I’m insecure
I can feel you coming
As though just the thought
Can bring you rushing t’ward me
My inconstant companion

I feel your touch
Like a tingling
Like a fire spreading over my body
My cold comforter

When you’re with me
I feel vulnerable
Naked in front of the crowd
They can see all my flaws
My feeble defender

If I push you away
You grow stronger
If I let you take me over
You will eventually leave me
A stronger woman

My ignorant teacher