An icy road gleams beneath tentative suede covered feet
It dares movement with its glint and shine
One soft wool lined boot slowly slides forward
While its mate tries valiantly to remain rooted where it is
Unwilling
Or unable
To trust the pathway
Black rubber soles search for purchase
To no avail
Buttock pads join vertical boot soles
Stiff, dark sentries snapped to attention
Cold seeps through layers
of wool
of denim
of flesh
Glacial chill settles like hoary frost
Each layer a fragile mass
Delicate, rigid
Easily shattered by a wrong move
Light patter of feet
upon bare floor
spring rain gently tapping on glass
Little person unable to sleep
attempts stealthy reprieve from night time ritual
creeps toward lamplight
Open book lies on blanketed lap
words on yellowed pages invisible
disinterest feigned in clandestine visitor
silently daring next move
The child darts from shadow to shadow
a staccato movement
stops and starts
Her position freezes
as I clear my throat
fetching a giggle
she anticipates discovery
With the willpower of Hercules
I do not look her way
Waiting
Waiting
Waiting
Until just the right moment to
FLING
my arms out
to grab her
Squeals of delight elicited
as we tumble
into a laughing heap
My telephone rings
jangling nerves with its chime
an unexpected call
my world changes
I hear your voice
quiet, calm, self assured
distance obliterated in an instant
I hear your voice
could there be a lovelier sound
my heart sings
a prayer answered
release of held breath
hope and happiness arrive
delivering a restorative message
“we are still here
we haven’t gone far”
I dare to accept hope
to take a chance
to believe that all will be well
equilibrium gained
I dare to believe in happiness
for you
for me
I dare to believe that you will find healing
solace
a way to deal with your addictions
I dare to believe that I will find acceptance
letting go
the ability to watch you fall
so you may rise above the demons that have tormented you
to believe we will find renewal
peace
a way to move on
my telephone rings
calming nerves with its chime
my world changes
(photo credit: running.competitor.com)
A mountain looms before me
I take a deep breath
exhale slowly
warily eyeing the climb
the challenge
the dare
To conquer
a gift of sweeping views
awaits
“Tell me what you know about running”
The query from another runner startles me
makes me laugh
“Put one foot in front of the other.
That’s all there is to it”
we chat
Arriving in the granite giant’s shadow
without a backward glance
my unexpected inquisitor
clearly an experienced runner
leaves me in his dust
As I embark on the imposing ascent
I contemplate my own
words of wisdom
Just keep putting
one foot in front of the other
ScribbleDartsfromtheHeart 