Worry

This morning it’s gone again,
Leaving while I slept
Swept off by dreams.
It comes in waves,
Like dirty laundry and car repairs
Which makes me wonder
About the nature of the negative—
Is it always moving this way?
Building momentum out of sight,
Cresting, crashing, washing itself away again
Leaving me walking the shore
Breathless and relieved,
Amazed at the shells and odd-legged creatures
It left behind—
Horseshoe crabs and calmness
Such sweet and strange-shelled gifts.