We step forward, sure footed
Confidence in tact
Perhaps confidence originates
Because due consideration we lack
Wind blowing swiftly through our hair
Leaping from one stone to the next
Eyes closed while in flight
No cautious resistance
Springing forward with ease
Only to fall upon the uncertain stones
The very ones in which we trusted
To lead us in the way to things unknown
The crash is powerful
The solid blows leave their marks
And for various lengths of time we sit
Questioning our strength to restart
Perhaps we should have taken
The road blanketed in pebbles
The gentle sandy path
Or the ground paved with petals
Would each one have taken us
To the same destination?
Did we even have a choice
Of which path to step out in
At times the terrain is unknown
Until that first step forward
Sensory cues cumbersomely surround
Contributing to a lack of order
If we had taken time at journey’s onset
To plan for the days travel
To pack all supplies needed
To enable us in battle
What would we bring
What plans would we make
How would we go about recovering
From likely mistakes
How long does the path which lies behind
Remain and allow for our retreat
Does the trail from which we came
Cushion our now bruised feet
The path backwards deep into the past is an illusion
A black abyss lined with imaginary stair cases
Steps have the solidarity of a dream
We walk each one in traces
©E.D. Allee
January, 2013
Photograph: http://www.deviantart.com/art/Stepping-Stones-10454946