20-DAY POETRY CHALLENGE

What I Am Afraid Of

A poetry prompt for day 6

I used to be afraid of snakes, but now they are afraid of me

I used to be afraid of dogs but today they became my friends

I used to be afraid of flying, but I effectively overcame it; I’m forthwith fond of it

I used to be afraid of spiders, but currently I sing along with them — “Incy wincy spider climbed up the waterspout, Down came the rain and washed the spider out…” (now, you’re also singing with me)

I used to be afraid of cockroaches, but right away I stomp on it as soon as I see one

I used to be afraid of darkness, but in real-time I sleep with the lights off

I used to be afraid of mice, but straightaway I see to it I get to bait one

I used to be afraid of raw lightning and thunder and I have a primal fear of it

Guess what?

I haven’t got rid of it cause it is ingrained in me still…ouch

How about you? What are you afraid of?

This is my free verse adaptation of the poetry prompt for day 6 of the 20-day poetry challenge. Do check out my dear friend Sahil Patel’s version, too:

My heartfelt gratitude to my amazing poet friends who are joining me in this poetry goal — Bhavna Narula, Geetika Sethi, Dr. Fatima Imam, Ntathu Allen, Lucy Dan 蛋小姐 (she/her/她), dear Doc Dr. Preeti Singh and many others.

Thanks so much for reading! Stay well ever.

©2021 Josh Balerite Acol All Rights Reserved