Freewriting

    Words are there but I can't get them out. What do I need to do to get from here to there? What materials do I build this bridge out of and how long will it take to build? I can see the path on the other side of the ravine, a clearing full of light and joy awaits me there. But the thorns of uncertainty and depths of self-doubt bar my way. I've traveled the path this far so many times only to turn back or be lost in the ravine. I've walked in that far clearing as well, known it's warmth and comfort. Why does the way ahead not stay clear? Is it because I go so long between journies that causes the barrier to remain? How many times must I fight to make my way across before the path is no longer overgrown? The longer I stand here staring into that ravine the longer, sharper, and more cruel-looking the thorns grow. I can feel them reaching for me, trying to drag me into their neverending embrace. I feel the void calling me and the words that push it away stay locked in the deepest vaults of my mind. Perhaps if I close my eyes and feel out the path one word at a time I can fool the ravine into letting me pass unscathed. But which are the words that will carry me across and which will pull me into the depths? I can feel the anxious gaze of my past selves watching from all across time. Do they wait for my success or failure? If I am to continue, I must continue. Don't look back. Don't look down. Don't look ahead. Look within. See the path fully formed. It's there waiting, don't be deceived. Take a breath. Write.