Quicksand

I can feel the pressure from the grime and grit surrounding me. It happens fast, that unexpected step into the puddle you didn't know was there. The first feeling is annoyance. It starts small, at first its only that foot. You square up to try to free yourself and suddenly you're in with both feet.

"Why didn't I see this coming?"

Eventually you feel it all the time, constant twinges of the inevitable. You're up to your knees.

"Its not so bad, just make a plan."

Wriggle as you might, you only seem to sink deeper. Panic spreads over your body. Your plan doesn't work and anxiety takes over. You reach down to dig out your feet; wildly clawing your way out. You stand up again and you're up to your thighs.

"Should I just give up?"

Your plan wasn't good enough. You didn't think hard enough. You didn't think long enough. You didn't see far enough ahead. Ponder it all because when you look down again, you're up to your waist.

"What do I do?"

Feel the crushing pressure against you. The weight has you paralyzed; you can't move your legs anymore. You're terrified to move. You're not going anywhere. As the thin layer of silt crusts against your arms you realize the fallacy in it all. You actually thought you could dig yourself out? The undersides of your fingernails are caked in drying clumps of desperation. Elbows crusted over making every movement feel robotic; and for good reason. You did exactly as you were supposed to. You gave in and now you're stuck.

"So hopeless..."

The grit fills your belly button and begins climbing toward your chest. The force cramps your stomach and shortens your breath. You fight it so hard but Fate is your only companion on this trip. You see faint glimmers of hope. With every breath you open up a tiny gap between your chest and the hopelessness that surrounds you, only to be sealed in a moment later.

"I can still make it."

Its now or never. Maybe positivity will help. Look up, think about rising out. Move gently, don't disturb your surroundings, that was your mistake before. Take deep breaths and maybe you'll get out of this... Nope.

"Oh no..."

You're up to your armpits, only head and shoulders remain. Go ahead, fight. What do you think you'll see next time you look down?