The Chasm

A deep chasm divides the lonely trail. A single plank lies across the expanse. Placing my foot on this strip of wood, I nervously avert my eyes as, Icy winds claw at my body, trying to toss me into the void. Why am I afraid of crossing this bridge? Were the plank placed on the ground, there would be no problem at all. I could skip happily, stop, observe my surroundings and dance with arms stretched out wide to the sky. But then there would be no risk.... Yes, risk....the fear of failure immobilizing us all. Creating obstacles where in reality none exist. What if I fall?....comes first to mind. The rewards of crossing the bridge are distant... What if I fall? Seated at a bar room table with friends. Relaxing in a cocoon of familiarity, a woman passes and our eyes briefly meet. She is pretty...no gorgeous!...and seated alone. Why don’t I introduce myself... just walk over... ‘Well, she is probably waiting for someone’, I console myself...but minutes pass and she is still alone. If she were an old friend there would be no problem. ‘Yes, but the plank would be on the ground’, I smile to myself. I want to get up but my mind is tainted by the deeps of rejection. What if she says no?...Frozen by the risk, I cannot bridge the chasm. She leaves as I watch helplessly, whispering a silent goodbye. (c)   Jim      Sept/98 Written November 1st, 1998 © on Nov 04 2001 12:07 PM PST   0 • 1