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