The Greater Fear

author’s note:

Based on a dream.  So it must be true.


THE GREATER FEAR

As I began to wake I began to realize
I was scaling a mountain—

my destination unknown—
hidden in the clouds high above.

Having come so far
up the side of this vertical rock
I decided to keep climbing.
And besides—the way down
appeared to be very tricky footing.

Fortunately
the matter at hand helps to distract me
from the distance
I still need to go
as well as the distance
I could fall.

However
I must occasionally stop for air
and though I may then experience
a moment of peace
if the break goes on too long
my fear of heights
will start to shout:
don’t dare move another finger.

Fortunately
my greater fear:
the fear
of being caught in the net
of that natural fear
spurs me then
to stretch my arms
once again.

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