The Truth On Anxiety Poem by Sophie Hide

I stand here not to talk but to briefly
observe. They are chatting but I am not.
I can't. I just spurt with laughter when they
do. I don't know the conversation, all
I can hear is that voice. My voice. It's all
I can hear. That's why I don't speak. They don't
care. Why would they? Why am I talking? Stop.
No one cares. No one wants to hear it. Stop.
So I stop. They keep going. See? Told you.
Why do you even try? They don't care. Sure
I'll stop. I'm done. I understand. Please stop.
Leave me alone. Slow my chest and breathing.
I'm done. Please stop. Please leave me alone. Please.
Why should I? It's the truth. You are no one.
Ok. I've stopped. I'm begging you. Please stop.
The laughter spurts. I fake a smile. They don't
know. Please help. Yes I may be smiling but
inside I'm dying. Help. My mind needs to
stop talking. Please stop. Please help. I'm trying.