I wrote htis on 11/4/24, the day befroe the eleciton. The title is the prompt line that James Crews posted on FB after his poem of the day on 11/4. Now, after the election the words still hold true for me.

At the Center of Every Fear

…there is Worry –

Fear’s snotty sibling

that pokes you awake from sleep,

then ruins a perfectly good day.

At the center of every fear

you will meet What If,

its game face competes with peace.

What If faces you head on,

hands on hips, huffing anxiety,

every whisper, a dire possibility.

At the center of every Fear

is Not Knowing,

a poker-faced chap who

holds secrets,

and hoards answers,

about the heartbeat,

the biopsy, the fever,

black ice on the road,

or shooters at schools.

Fear often hangs out in your stomach

Along with Worry, What If, and Not Knowing –

together they beat their chests,

wag their arms for your attention.

They will waste your time

with needless noise.

You have the power

to usher them out.

Grab What If’s anxiety by its breath –

take slow inhales, go deep within,

make an O with your lips

release them in a slow-motion exhale:

Not Knowing, first,

then What If.

Next, exhale Worry

and finally say goodbye to Fear.

Send them on their way,

“It’s a beautiful day

but it’s not going to get worse”

Annette Langlois Grunseth. 11/4/2024