Fleeting Balance

In the cereal aisle, towers of boxes rise,

each one a monument to dizzying choice,

a child’s laughter echoes, brightens my skies,

yet my heartbeat thunders, stealing my voice.

I’m caught in the colors, the chaos of brands,

like skyscrapers looming, too tall to defend,

as I reach for a box, my trembling hands

feel gravity shift; this moment won’t bend.

Flashes of joy turn to worry and doubt,

a whirl of decisions, spinning too fast,

beneath the bright lights, I want to break out,

find solid ground, but I’m held in the past.