You worry too much,

he said, I know a way

to prove it.

I'll suggest something

that's nothing to worry about,

and see what you do.

Imagine -

he smiled at me - imagine

you're a statue.

I stared at him,

not quite able

to believe it.

That isn't worrying,

I replied, it's simply

terrifying.

Imagine this, I said,

you're fully conscious

but can't move.

can't see or hear,

or feel a pulse, or heartbeat,

can't ever touch.

All you can do,

all you can ever do,

is think.

He thinks

I'm a worrier, but I know

he's turning to stone.

©Alison Williams

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