The Common Thread

Are you terrified of spiders?
Does a rodent make you cringe?
Do you feel like fainting at the sight
Of needle or syringe?

Do you hide when there is lightning?
Does a clown give you the shakes?
Does your heart jump through your chest
If you see scorpions or snakes?

Are you anxious in a subway?
Are you nervous when you fly?
Does a crowded place convince you
Any minute you might die?

Whether real or just imagined
We all face our private fears
And the things we are afraid of
Might get worse throughout the years.

Though my panics may be different
From the ones that cause you dread,
We’re united in a tapestry
With fear the common thread.