Under Pressure

Under pressure, 

It doesn’t turn coal to diamonds, 

It makes them crack and crumble. 

Pressure, 

Don’t get so used to it 

That it’s the only thing 

Keeping you alive, 

Don’t internalize it, 

Make it a part of yourself, 

It’s not a way to live. 

Pressure, 

Heaping spoonfuls that say 

“Just one more bite” 

Long past you’re full, 

Climb the mountain, 

Lungs burning, legs screaming, 

But at least you eased it for a moment. 

Pressure, you can’t satisfy it, 

Some roaring kraken, 

Lurking in the depths of your soul, 

Waiting, just waiting to 

Burst through the cracks in your heart

And eat you alive.