Eight Steps

author’s note:

“I learn by going where I have to go.”
            --  Theodore Roethke


EIGHT STEPS

In an effort to try to simplify my life…

I’ve decided
I must accomplish
just eight steps
to get where I need to go…

and though I don’t actually know
what the steps are
I believe if I point myself
in one direction
and walk long enough
I’ll eventually make
all eight--even if
that one direction leads me
in a circle--even if
I rove awry
or struggle hobbled--
as long as I keep moving
I believe I’ll eventually
end up taking
all eight.

But--to be honest--
I don’t even know
if “8" is the exact number--
I felt I needed the reassurance
of a number
and “100" or “1000"
seemed too cumbersome.

I can’t see that much…

however…

I’ve seen enough
to know
steps do exist

and that I must take them
to progress.

But what is my goal?
you ask:
What am I trying
to reach?

For some unknown reason,
I am overpowered
by a desire
to get to a place
where I can look back
and see all eight steps.

I’ll tell you
when I get there.

© 2010, Michael R. Patton

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