The Worry Stone
All hours of the day I carry worry like a stone
under my tongue. Everything I say is shaped
by its edges, cutting with concern.
Will I have enough? Will it happen on time?
Have I said, have I done, all the wrong things?
And what is it that I am doing with my life?
And where is it that I am going? Who can say.
I've yet to meet anyone with a satisfying answer.
Yesterday, I saw a white speckled fawn stumbling
in between her mother’s legs. It gladdened me.
As did the raccoon pup peering from the foliage
in the canal, eyes earnest and full of prayer.
Yesterday, I watched my lover undress. I thought
how lucky I am to live in a world with so many
dashing men, one of my great appreciations.
I thought, what else, what other purpose, than
to love and be loved, than to admire the beauty
of every appearing body: fawn, raccoon, man.
I won’t tell you I spit the stone out, but for
a short while I forgot about it, even if it kept
on announcing itself by every breath, even if
still I swirl it around my mouth, weighted
and comforting.
- Moudi Sbeity
News + Events
📚 Join me on August 15th from 10 - 12 MDT for a Book Tour Workshop / Fundraiser. I’ll be reading from my forthcoming books, offering prompts, and then opening up space to share. Sign up here: https://habibialhamdulillah.eventbrite.com
📘 Both books are now available for pre-order
Habibi Means Beloved (memoir) / Alhamdulillah Anway (poetry)
🌱 Sept 8 - Book conversation and workshop with ZenJen Brown at 4pm ET. Register here - free.
💜 Save the date. Monday, October 5: The Raft will host the official online book launch for my debut memoir, Habibi Means Beloved. Watch for event details soon.
I really appreciate that you show your vulnerability as you grapple with the worries and self-doubts we all share as human beings. By so doing, you model the way forward. Thank you.
How important to note that we may hold onto those stones in our mouths, when we could spit them out. Perhaps they serve as reminders of the duality of pain and joy. Love and suffering.