Straight up; one after the other,
after the other,
after the other:
Steps seemingly unending and unsecured as my muscles begin to complain and my mind begins to taunt me-daring me to just quit.
A white-knuckling, adrenaline flying, muscle-shaking shimmy over the top rung onto the precariously perched platform puts me at a place I’ve never been before.
Do not look back. Do not even peek.
Straight forward.
Resolute vision.
Focus.
Purposeful, single minded, determined focus.

Breathe.

For just a moment.
Breathe.
Feel stillness
peace
resolution
that comes at this point in the climb.

See that ‘something’ that’s been
playing
teasing
taunting
at each step.
The something of
utter, undeniable fear skittering and skiping back and forth from mind, to gut; from heart to head.

Now to something bigger,
stronger,
more trustworthy
humming.
with just enough volume to dispel the skittering, noisome nuisance.
Gentle
peaceful
and solid.
Faithful,
trustworthy
and honest.
It has power-which brings me from prostrate on the platform to up on my knees; hope which prompts me to pull my feet up under these bowed knees
and slowly,
assuredly,
stand.
Trustworthiness to ever so cautiously,
yet with great anticipation,
step forward.
And forward again.
And once more again.
Confidence rising.
Excitement increasing.
Faith cementing.

Future unfolding.
I dive.
in love. trish.