The Worrier
She lies in bed,
Staring into the silent darkness
Outside her window.
Fears,
Muffled by day,
Now rise, one by one,
To the surface.
Her family,
Her job,
The future
And anxieties
She cannot name
Settle in her jaw,
Her shoulders,
Her belly.
She’s told herself a thousand times
That it does no good to worry.
But words and logic are no contender
Against this midnight warrior.
God, sit with her
The whole night through
And be her steady breath.
Wipe each burden
From her mind.
Replace it with your calm,
Consoling melody.
Let her believe,
Just for tonight
That everything
Will be just fine.
Let sweet, sweet sleep
Surround her.
by Maria Brady-Smith
photo by Mike Smith
As I am lying awake at 2am this came across my news feed. The writing is lovely and poignant, and the message is a powerful reminder to let God carry our worries both day and night. Thanks for sharing!!
So glad to hear that. Last night at about 10:30, I was pondering which poem to share and I thought, “Maybe somebody needs to read this tonight.” I, obviously, have been in that spot many, many times. Thanks for your comment!
Beautiful poem! We have all been in that place.
Thank you, Judy!
Your poem speaks to my heart. So beautiful.
I am so glad. Thank you.
Great poem.
Thanks, Susan!
Worries have grown to encompass so so many things. Thank You for this balm Maria.
Yes, they have. Thank you, Kacy. We comfort each other!
Good morning, Maria! Love this poem. I was up the other night writing a column about not being able to sleep–and I thought of you because I know this happens to you too. I love your consoling message in this poem…one many can identify with. Keep up the beautiful work–but not late into the night! Hugs!
Thank you, Chris. I read not long ago about first sleep and second sleep. Throughout history, people would go to bed at dusk and then wake for and hour or two to do other things and then go back to sleep until dawn. Maybe we just have it wrong thinking we should sleep eight hours straight. Although, there is nothing quite as satisfying as a full night sleep! Ahh…