The Walk, pt 1

The light flickers above my head. A few footsteps shuffle along in the distance, but it’s too dark to see their owner. He didn’t sound like he had anyplace to go anyway.

I’ve heard bad things about this pathway, but I’m not scared. Those kinds of generalities can only be spoken by the ignorant and timid. Besides, I know I would defeat the looters if they attacked now, in the open. So do they. There won’t be anything from them until they have the cover of the crowd and the tyranny of emotion to protect them.

My gait is a lie, a habit formed over the years of having a definite direction and purpose. I can’t see the end of this path.

“There may not be an end”, I think. It’s the most depressing thought of them all, because I know it is true. I wish a wall would fall in front of me, forcing me to change direction. I don’t even feel my legs anymore. They are propelling me without thought, in a direction without purpose. As if the only thing that matters is to keep one foot in front of the other…..as if motion is its own end.

Nonsense.

“Excuse me.” It’s a young woman, probably 25. She looks more put together than she feels. She tells me where she wants to go and asks for some advice in getting there. It’s a story I’ve heard a hundred times or more.

The words fall effortlessly from my mouth:

“You’re doing great. Keep moving towards your goal.

Don’t fear the obstacles….you will overcome those just as you always have. Instead, fear comfort. It is the only thing that can hold you back. Burn the ships.

The only way to insure that others will help your cause is to align your interests with theirs….”

I go on and on. She takes in every word. Her confidence and excitement are palpable. I’m just relieved to not be thinking about my own walk.

As she leaves, I catch myself starting to marvel at how little she knows. It makes me think about how little I know compared to the greats.

I envy her clarity. I know she will make it.

I resume my walk…..still no wall.

To be continued…….