Catastrophize

There's something that I do

That no one knows about

When I let my mind run free

It tends to scream and shout

About the dangers that I see

Most of them I know are in my head

Yet I can not help but worry

Loved ones will somehow end up dead

Or the car that's driving past me

Might swerve and crush us all

Or my son will smash his teeth out

In the park if he should fall

Or a plane will fall from great heights

And come crashing through my ceiling

Or the train I'm on will derail

I cannot shake this feeling

If the phone I ring isn't answered

Know that I fear you dead

Or if I haven't seen you for a while

Death has taken you from your bed

Or that terrorists have taken over

Perhaps a nuke is on its way

Or a comet's shadow will cover Earth

And prematurely end the day

Maybe that someone has gained entry

To my house whilst I'm asleep

Or that Alzheimer's might find me

Memories not mine to keep

Perhaps my headache is an aneurism

Or my tight chest is forewarning

The lump I found last time I checked

Isn't just a warning

Or the ambulance that's passing by

Is on its way to you

Because you are running slightly late

And I didn't have a clue

I can not shake this feeling

Though believe me I do try

Worry will win every time

And I'll catastrophize

I could list examples for hours

Of this I am truly sure

But excuse me if I end this here

I'm not sure I've locked the door