The Hardest Step

The empowering inspiration caused the goal to feel light

To follow that path on that memorable day

And as it presented before me, I was ready

Ready to conquer. Ready to to take risks.

I take my step, the journey begun!

The challenge seemed simple as my feet trudged on,

Yet in the distance, a familiar call

I looked, and suddenly, a change in my steps

The way is blocked, and my path unclear

A split is presented before me

One way is easy, secure, and ensures safety

The other I can see is a challenge, and potentially dangerous

Though potentially resulting in an insurmountable view

To each it has strengths and to each some grave weaknesses

Which to choose? It's hard to know

And thus the battle begins as I weigh down each side

The battle is long and hard, and it's almost too late

But with help from some of that courage the decision is made

For I know I'll regret not trying

The challenge is on, and my journey continues

But the worst is yet to come

My determination, it keeps me going,

Despite the restrictive tension taking over my muscles,

And my heart's warrior-like drum pounding.

I see it coming, the great challenge ahead.

Thoughts swirl in disorganization through my mind,

As it approaches, closer, ever closer, until I'm facing it head-on.

It's as bad as I anticipated, and I wonder how to handle it.

I'm sad and disappointed, yet an escape is futile

I must face it. I must deal with it.

Yet somewhere within, I know not where

My courage stepped up yet again.

For knowing the difficulty could never disappear,

The power within, it straightened me up,

And despite the challenging discomfort,

I took my hardest step.

I walked on to achieve the goal in sight

And what wonders did I behold!

From days following after, I ask myself

Did I feel any regret?

No, I say, I do not, for it was in deciding so,

That from all of life's important lessons,

This one I've come to know,

It's in taking the hardest step,

That instructs me as I grow. 

Commentary: 

This poem was written a while ago, while trying to sort out some feelings from a memory. It wasn't an easy one to express; however, I think this will do. I've had a good number of inner battles in life before having to deal with a decision or face an uncomfortable situation, but it all turns out in the end that something of worth comes out of it when I don't let the fears get to me.

It's only a dusting of snow.
Who needs shoes? 😏