Worry

I worry

Waking from a restless sleep
My mind is immediately filled with thoughts

Three kids on her own
Deadbeat dad
Trying to be strong
Working hard
Overwhelmed

Five heart attacks
Congestive heart failure
Body failing her
Living alone
Feeling hopeless

Trapped in her body
Shackled by anxiety
Dragging herself forward
Unrelenting pain
Feeling invisible

Full of self doubt
Looking for a remedy
Stricken with trauma
Missing a fathers love
Barely treading water

Dad is absent
Mom is unreliable
No support
Blaming themselves
Full of anger

I want to do something
I want to make it all better
I want to take these burdens
I want to make them mine

They deserve more
They are beautiful
Each of them having so much to offer this world

I would take their darkness and add it to mine
So they could shine like they are meant to
They are the best of humanity

All I can do is offer a hand
Walk with them through the fire
Show them they are not alone
Tell them that they matter
Help them to their feet
Make them feel loved

And worry