Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster

Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster

by Michelle Nelson-Schmidt

Some Whatif Monsters 

like to hang out,

and fill up our heads 

with worry and doubt.

They are sneaky and quiet 

and quick as a blink,

the words that they whisper

can change how we think.

Jonathan James heard 

those words full of dread,

and all those "what ifs"

got stuck in his head.

What if you tumble?

What if there's wind?

What if you slip,

and your knee gets all skinned?

What if they giggle?

What if it's chilly?

What if you jump

and look really silly?

What if it's hard?

What if you're bad?

What if they laugh 

and make you feel sad?

What if it's ugly?

What if it stinks?

What if that's 

what everyone thinks?

What if it's yucky?

What if it's icky?

What if Mom yells

because you're too picky?

What if it's dark?

What if it's scary?

What if there's something

giant and hairy?

What if you lose?

What if you're last?

What if you're slow

and never get fast?

What if she laughs?

What if she runs?

What if she thinks 

you'are not any fun?

"Now wait just a minute!

I have something to say,

after hearing 'what ifs'

all through the day.

I hear all your worries;

I hear all your claims.

But what if you're wrong?"

asks Jonathan James.

What if I climb 

to the top of that tree,

and I never slip 

or skin up a knee?

And what if I jump 

right into that pool,

and everyone thinks

I look really cool?

And what if baseball is

nothing but fun,

and I end up hitting 

a triple home run?

And what if my drawing 

goes up on the wall,

and everyone thinks

it's the best one of all?

And what if I taste

some of that food,

and it puts my mouth 

in a really good mood?

And what if I run 

in a really big race,

and have a great time

no matter what place?

And what if I sleep 

and have the best dream...

that monsters are sweeter

than they all seem?

And what if the chance 

I take in the end,

is just how I find 

my very best friend?