Tuneless noise grates

my eardrums.

The thump of the bass shakes

my very core.

Flashing lights throw off

my equilibrium.

My head starts to spin.

Am I walking?

I can’t tell.

Panic. Nausea fills me.

I am no longer

in control.

Too close! Everyone

is too close!

Sweaty, gyrating bodies close in,

and there is no room for me

to maneuver myself out

of the crowd.

I can feel the bile

rise up in my throat.

Must get out!

I am able to push

myself out.

I collapse on a bench

outside and breath a

sigh of relief.

The pounding stops and

I am once again back

in control.