author’s note:

The above illustration is based on a dream—a sleeping dream.

Since dreams don’t lie, what I believe must be true: we are indeed climbing.
 

MY BEST BELIEF

Sometimes when I stop for air
I then have time to feel my fear—

naturally, I’m afraid—
climbing as I’m climbing—!—
apparently, I grow smaller…
as I ascend—ever
smaller—

yes, the greater
altitude gives me
perspective…

nonetheless
when I look down
my heart—
      so instinctual, so animal—
drops

and then…when
I look back up
my tiny eyes see
only cloud—

but who among us
can truly say
where we’re headed—?—

without pretending to be God—?

I can only tell you: I woke up
and found myself climbing a hill
that then became a mountain
when I woke up—

not knowing
what else to do
(still so drowsy!)
I kept on going up—

but now, as I see it
we don’t really
have a choice—

however,
I no longer
pretend to understand
whatever would be God.

Anyway, to continue
to live by my beliefs
I must push myself
whenever I stop for air
and again feel nearly
overwhelmed by fear

so I tell myself:
“Maybe when I’m high enough
 that animal fear will…give up
 and finally fall away!”

Though I also honestly admit:
maybe not.

In either case, as I continue
crawling up, I hold secure to me
what I believe
may be my best belief:
   no better way
   to endure this life
   than embracing
   my only choice—!

© 2012, Michael R. Patton
dreaming steps

Advertisement