He hovered over me,

watched my every move.

He made my palms sweat,

and my pupils frantic.

He was a black tornado,

that never went away.

Anxiety often talked to me in a deep whisper,

what if this happens, what will you do, what will others think, he said.

I tried to push him away but he has grown too strong,

until a rainbow came barreling out from inside me.

Peace began to nibble away at Anxiety's strength,

using words like go away, I don't need this, you are worthless.

All of a sudden in front of my eyes,

black, turned to gray, turned to white, turned to dust,

and Anxiety was gone.

Nothing hanging over my head but a rainbow,

and that was only there to protect me.

—Randi Raimondo (13 years)