Wind-Struck Lungs

Stepped out, not thinking, just

the usual rush.

Then wind hit, sudden gust,

a harsh, cold hush.

It pushed my ribs, a fist,

right in the softest part.

My breath, it missed,

a stutter in my heart.

A gasp, sharp, white

puff of air on grey.

My chest, it felt too tight

to just begin the day.

Like something fragile, then,

exposed, and just a thread.

To draw it in again,

the thing I always dread

will someday fail.