These days, I am walking
On Cobble-Stone Streets.
Uneven, unmeasured, these stones
Take some serious concentration
To navigate without falling Down.
I remember seeing this path
From several paces back,
Remember the longing I had
To embark on such an exciting endeavor.
And I remember that first step.
With two extra inches, heeled
To coordinate with the bright dress
I donned that day, the color of the sun,
I remember putting my full weight
Onto that first stone..
I dared to believe it would hold me--
As it had held so many before me;
And it did--hold me--though I
Caught my heel, only slightly,
On the crevice directly beneath my feet.
Though only a minor mishap--
My body tipped, off-balance,
Launching me forward, arms out.
I found myself wondering
If every step would be as humbling.
I stood then, on the cobble stone,
Stopped for a moment to smoothe
Hair and dress and breathe a breath
Of gratefulness for my recovery.
And readied for the next step.
I've been down this street now,
For quite some time, it seems.
There have been many paces,
And I've learned to take my time,
Assess carefully before I move.
Oh, yes, I've stumbled, and may
Again--in the time it takes to write this--
But I will make my way forward,
By the inch, if necessary, face
Smiling toward the heavens.
No, these streets are not Easy--
Though they certainly seem to be
To all those stationed with high-end,
Extraordinary life-capturing cameras
Or to all those standing still.
I know there are those who
Question my choice, misunderstand
My motivations--but I know why
I'm here, making every effort to succeed.
This is my destiny: Cobble-Stone Streets.
