Before I Erupt

It’s okay to say I’m strong

even when all the pain
starts to swell up,
coming from
somewhere
     deep down,
     below,
     traveling through my throat
     so fast

     I might miss my chance to
     swallow another time
before it runs out my mouth,
before it burns a hole through my chest,
before I stop being soft,
because this time
I’ll get through the days
I’ve gone through the years.