I still feel it burning in my stomach

A white hot sizzling, searing flame

Boiling me from the inside out,

Stowed away, out of sight

I can still taste it when I try

Thick black smoke rising up my gullet

Choking if I let it

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Receding back down my throat when I don't

I can still hear it when I listen

Crackling, hissing, roaring

Insisting upon itself

As I do my best to deny it

No one else needs to know

They won't see it if I don't let them

Just have to keep my distance

Make sure they can't feel the heat