With eyes closed and death grip,
she clutched the steel lap bar
white-knuckling curves, corkscrews, loops and dips

hearing noise,
holding breath,
stifling screams.

until

a bolt came undone,

a warning.

With eyes wide and bold resolve,
she opened her heart to what might be
embracing curves, corkscrews, loops and dips

finding voice,
defying death,
living dreams.

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for #sixwordfridays (Might) and #fridayflash55
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image by cra1glloyd

The city where I live is infamous for its fog. My particular neighborhood sits in a district that is sometimes shrouded in gray while the rest of the town enjoys a perfectly clear day.

From inside looking out, I often second guess myself. Should I bring an umbrella? Should I bundle up? Should I wear boots? Right foot, left foot alternating onto pavement, invisible within seconds if someone were to watch. In the day’s lack of clarity, my steps require faith as limbs and certainty disappear into the haze.

Once I’m out and about, much of the uncertainty disappears. The fog fades in the background, heart and mind synching more and more with each step, purpose kicking into high gear. Soon, there’s no turning back.

Unlike fog, doubt doesn’t burn off so easily. Doubt may dissolve momentarily but the questions remain. Whether or not they are asked. As for answers, some may sport that hazy, fog-like quality; oh, how we love those. Many may never come; even better. Either way, lack of certainty does not keep us from proceeding. On the path, winding or otherwise, to wherever we may go. Booted, socked or wedged.

Whether it’s to seek purpose or to carry it out, to find oneself or to look for love, no matter the level of sure-footedness, off we go, taking comfort in the certainty that uncertainty will be a close companion.

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What drives you? What keeps you going?
Doubt, uncertainty, not knowing, etc. Are these things more companions than obstacles on your journey?

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linking up with imperfect prose

Image by David Paul Ohmer