It only takes one word 
Like a slow, hesitant breath 
Streaming into more fluid exhales –  
An even cadence 
Unfurling the tense coils 
Of anxiety 
From deep within the chest 
Until it becomes less painful 
To draw these words out 
Even when they 
Snag and bruise 
With their jagged edges 
At the exposed places 
And delicate fringes 
Of my mind 
A balsamic comfort 
Trails over these wounds 
Soothing the unease 
With the knowledge  
That I’m trying 
And that is enough 
To keep me going.