The night broke open

The night broke open.

It started deep, a rasp, a choke,

then violent spasms.

My chest, a birdcage, rattling hard.

The window panes vibrated.

I gasped for air, tasting

dust, old pennies,

something metallic and raw.

It feels like something's stuck,

a shard of glass I can't dislodge.

Each breath, a threat.

Each stillness, a pause before the next assault.

This noise is mine, and I don't know it.