My body didn’t get the memo 
that things that spark my anxiety 
and spike my cortisol–
an email from the lawyer, 
booking a flight, 
any change of plan– 
don’t threaten my life. 
They aren’t the end of the world. 

So I need to gently comfort 
my anxious body 
and remind her: 
It’s a false alarm. 
There’s no fire, 
no danger, 
and nothing to fear. 
I’m right here. 
We’ll be okay.

I see the birds up in the air.
I know You feed them, I know You care.
So won’t You teach me how I mean more to You than them.
In times of trouble, be my help again.
–Jon Guerra, I See the Birds

Credits and References:
Sprinkler Fire Alarm by Nick Sherman. Used with permission.
False Alarm by Esther Hizsa, 2025
Murder of Crows by TumblingRun. Used with permission

© Esther Hizsa, An Everyday Pilgrim, 2025.
The unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without permission from Esther Hizsa is prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used provided there is a link to the original content and credit is given as follows: © Esther Hizsa, An Everyday Pilgrim 2013-2025.  http://www.estherhizsa.com