Standing on the Parted Shore

(from Brainstorms)

the fear swells,
like a wave
in her chest
as she stands at the edge of the water.

she knows
that the passage to the other side
is not as long or as deep
as it looks from the surface.

she only needs to take
one
deep
breath
and start.

a moment.

it takes one moment
of courage,
of faith,
and then there is no turning back.

she will be moving.
and the current will carry her.
and the water will cradle her.
and there will be no effort.

and when she emerges
on the other side,
the fear will be gone,
and in its place
will be a world
more beautiful than she can imagine.

it takes one step.
a twitch of the foot
and she will be on her way.