Paul Willason Poet Free verse

The Absolute Worst

Small things become
large in a life at times,
appointments made 
that hang like a sentence 
over one's head,
incarcerating you in fear
for a week or more.
A pain that won't go away
growing into a dozen
self diagnosed causes, 
some serious, some benign 
until you remember 
straining to lift
a heavy pot
yesterday or the day before.
Then there are all
the “what ifs” that invade
the mind when you are trying
to get to sleep, a whole 
catalogue of outcomes graded 
from the unfortunate 
to the absolute worst, 
one of which is bound 
to come true, ruining 
your plans or causing you 
to be carted off in a hearse. 
And even when you find
a quiet corner somewhere
in your life where 
a little sunshine comes
shining through, it's always
short-lived when you convince
yourself it just can't be true.

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Deb M August 10, 2025 at 1:52 AM I understood ,connected and felt each sentence Paul…..that is exactly how it is and how it feels! Its like you took my thoughts and wrote about them….Brilliant write my friend…..Debx Soupmail Paul Willason August 17, 2025 at 9:23 PM Thanks Deb for sharing your thoughts...obviously similar mindscapes...familiar territory. Not the most picturesque of inner views but hey...poetry has to venture into all places of experience. Value yr words my dear friend.

sara Etgen-Baker August 9, 2025 at 5:31 PM I can so relate to your poem, Paul, especially the first few lines: Small things become large in a life at times, appointments made that hang like a sentence over one's head, incarcerating you in fear for a week or more. Perhaps it's an 'age' thing for me. In my youth I wasn't a worrier...now, though?! what happened :-) Paul Willason August 17, 2025 at 9:15 PM Ah the mind....the place where we live, too much I'm afraid in the past and future modes...not the present which is the desired setting. Thanks for yr comments Sara. Take care

Lin Lane August 9, 2025 at 3:10 PM Ok. Listen up, Paul. Worrying about what might happen, or an illness that we might have will only cause your spirit to weaken as well as you mind and body. We deal with problems we have as best we can and hope we get through each of them Have positive thoughts, Paul. Hugs. Paul Willason August 17, 2025 at 9:10 PM As usual, a good dose of Lin Lane wisdom...much valued my friend. Deep breath, on and forward. Appreciate your kind words. Take care, Paul

David Kavanagh August 9, 2025 at 2:22 PM The mind can be our own worse enemy Paul, that is the truth, shame we don’t come with an anxiety kill switch, but on the plus side the good news is you’re not a psychopath, just a sentient being, with an uncanny knack of writing excellent poetry about (the human condition), cheers David Paul Willason August 17, 2025 at 9:06 PM Uplifting words my friend...very much appreciated. Often debate whether poetry should enter into this territory, but then all states of mind are regions we pass through on our journey and seem fair game. Many thanks for yr kind words David, regards Paul

Jan Allison August 9, 2025 at 2:11 PM A poem I can relate to as waiting for appointments especially with results can be so traumatic - However, I guess we are lucky as we never dwell on hubby's cancer which keeps recurring but its because we are realistic. next result in November to see if the radio therapy has been successful:-) hugs Jan xx Paul Willason August 17, 2025 at 8:54 PM Hi Jan, Very sorry to hear of the challenges your husband is facing at the moment. Do hope all goes well...the uncertainty is the most difficult aspect to cope with. Many thanks Jan for your comments and or sharing your journey. In my thoughts, Paul