STAIRS

[Lisa Arnold]

Only inches before me,
awaits the stairs
which will lead me away
all my misery and pain.

I approach with delicate caution.
I have fallen down them so many time before,
I do not wish to take such a chance anymore.

I wonder is it my destiny or can I avoid it?
For certain, I cannot say, but I sense deep within,
if I descend these stairs, I’ll come tumbling down,
further than I have ever before.

The smother of my vacant life
is stealing the last breaths from me.
I am struggling to hold on,
but I’m sinking well beneath where I stand.

I carry such a burdensome load.
I wonder, is it possible for me not to fold?
I am forgetting the words of encouragement I’ve been told
as I buy into the vise of lies I have been sold.

I stand shivering at the top of these stairs,
so afraid to turn back and more afraid to go down.
I am frightened to face whatever waits down below.

Is it the beginning of my demise or the end to my misery?
Will it only represent more agonizing treachery
or will it hold and present the key to my happiness?

I will myself to take that first step. It wasn’t so bad.
Now I’m on the second step. damn, I slipped.
I do not take the chance and fall. Should I turn around run?

But there is nothing back there for me, so
I have no other choice, I must move forward.
With great hesitation, I take one step and then another.

I am halfway there and so anxious to see what’s at the bottom.
Only a few steps more. There’s one. Can I take the other?
I stand very still. I can’t breathe or hear anything,
except a voice within willing me to go on.

I hesitate before taking this one last step.
I am surprised to find
myself standing on solid ground.
I cannot believe I did not slip or fall.

I sense strength rising within.
I am growing stronger than before.
I am willing and, now, able to embrace
the rebirth of my life.

©2004 by Lisa Arnold

[Lee]

an excellent write and read, Lisa very well crafted, good flow and imagery You keep descending those stairs!

thanks for posting this one

[icee]

very engaging write and read, leaves me feeling uplifted I am so glad you found a way to rise above Keep holding onto your inner strength

love this part:

I sense strength rising within.
I am growing stronger than before.
I am willing and, now, able to embrace
the rebirth of my life.

[countrygalcc]

Wonderful poetry!
Has a good feel to it.
These lines are
wonderful!

I sense strength rising within.
I am growing stronger than before.
I am willing and, now, able to embrace
the rebirth of my life.

[Brian]

brilliant write, loved it from the begining to the last word, it gave me such a postive feeling, thanks for posting

[sweetpest]

Beautiful Lisa, just beautiful. This is such

wonderful insight!! Magnificent ending. Life

is hard but we have to keep going, which

sometimes is the hardest thing we will have to do our

lives. Full of wisdom Bravo!!

[Toni]

great write, you did a wonderful job with this one

love these lines:

I carry such a burdensome load.
I wonder, is it possible for me not to fold?
I am forgetting the words of encouragement I’ve been told
as I buy into the vise of lies I have been sold.

[Helen]

I agree with the others this is a feel good piece

[Lisa Arnold]

thanks everyone, I feel so wonderful after all of your warm comments

You all are great people

[Cherrie]

very well done, you have captured fear and anxiety of the unknown quite well as well as how one can come to overcome those fears and live life, excellent write

[stargzr]

Great write of overcoming your fears and facing the unknown. Sometimes it's not as bad as our mind leads us to believe.
....Jack

[Lisa Arnold]

so much Cherrie and Jack

You are right Jack, I am learning that events in my life are not always as bad as they first seemed