Stress... it piles on.

It weighs you down

like a heavy bookbag

sitting low on your back.

It grabs hold with vice-like grip

and doesn't let go.

It hangs around day after day

making life miserable and tough.

Then suddenly, a change.

The grip loosens and

the weight slowly lessens.

Stress is finally leaving!

Yet, it doesn't leave,

not really anyway.

True, it no longer chokes you

or weighs you down,

but it still hangs around.

Arms wrapped lazily around your

shoulders, dangling like a cape.

stress isn't always oppressive, but you never forget it's there.