worry

when the worm of worry starts burrowing in your head

the first to go is sleep

the next the mind

as it whirrs and churns 

the heart palpitates

it becomes hard to breathe

tears roll down cheeks

you lie rigid staring into space 

as your worst fears all unfurl

before your eyes, unstoppable

you make bargains with God

realise how futile it is all

you visualise hurling rocks at idols

then realise you have no where to go but to Him

so you stop

and toss and turn 

on the cold hard ground 

talking to Him to yourself 

You sit up and hug your knees 

then lie down with Attenborough under torchlight 

then lie next to the children 

and feel the relief of their arms heavy around your neck

who think they need you

not knowing how much you need them