The what ifs
scamper in
loom large
insidious
dangerous
scenarios
of doom and gloom
of treachery deceit
these fears
dance
on our insecurities
build caves
deep in our psyches
scrambling out
at any sign
of doubt
of trouble
a glimpse of the past
heartbreak
a thread from some other trauma
and they whoop and holler
these fears
they dance
lively jig
full of glee
at our sorrow
our pain
the gaping hole
that’s left
when love is lost
but we all have them
no way
no need
to ignore
turn inwards
watch their dance
reach out a hand
here fear
come
into the light
see my world
now
breathe deep
smell sweet
air
there is no storm
my ghosts
the sky is clear
there will be clouds
and the fears
may return
but for now
send them
gently on their way
for they are only
looking
for the good
in life
for other paths to walk
free them
let them dance
not deep in dark caves
but in sunlight
on grassy meadows
with flowers
let them make
friends
with joy
with happiness
comfort grief
sidle up to sorrow
offering
fresh picked
wildflowers
or a hug
moving
body
mind
and these
ideas inside
letting them be seen
be heard
and finally
a word
to send them
to a happier place
take your fears
in hand
learn what you can
and then live
alongside
all of you
fear has its place
but let it out
let it be
free
to heal
to grow
becoming the compost
for the
flowers
of our happiness
blooming.