when the kettle hums

there is thick haze
so, it is unseen
without form

but its presence
pulls you down
deliberate, willful
dark intense force
from far far below
deeper than where
roots dare to crawl

far far down under
beneath the surface
of the paved path walk
that greets the steady casual stroll
of sturdy cavorting feet
it is there

and here
taking up residence
inside
as if to taunt, haunt
settling its heaviness
in the belly
pushing its way up
halting abruptly
just
below
the throat

an intake of breath
produces
a lump
that has to be,
must be,
swallowed
back in
for it cannot escape,
cannot be released
out to mix with free air.