Thirteen steps Thirteen steps up to my room and this doesn't sound like much but it has become all consuming I have to go up them to go to bed I stand there at the bottom and I look up with dread My breathing has become labored because cigarettes was the condiment I favored I am now being assaulted by COPD It snuck up from behind and has taken control over me The invincibility of youth came to a crashing conclusion When I heard there is no cure, no quick fix, no solution So I struggle up the steps hanging on to the railing tight knowing that come one day I am going to lose this fight