held under

lungs about to burst
why does this hurt?
my throat burns
nose yearns
i need to--
but you hold me here
should have gotten a deeper breath
should have known
listened
"not for a while"
hold you to it
in one ear
out the other
you hold me here
the reef i hug
cling to
you never said it
so here i wait
wait and wait
i'm crying
can't tell can you?
i know
the stripes hide it
can't see a tear when it's there
right before your eyes
it looks like a stripe
are you keeping time?
it's been a while
still here i am
clutching to the coral
in the way of a choice?
reminding you
without using my voice
another bubble to catch your attention
shouldn't let out more
your patience is wearing thin
my lungs are about to give in
i keep on wondering when...
is it a test or are you lost from the confusing directions?