Evolution of a Question

When on an early morning walk, it was cold and the frost on the grass was thawing into dew. A large, decorative rock that adorned the grassy area cast a shadow and I stepped into it. The clover and grasses beneath my feet were noticeably more stiff, the ground less yielding. This only lasted about two steps until I was out of the shadow again, stepping onto the warm mattress of sun-high green.

How simple.

I looked back at the thin line separating the shadow-tranced grasses from the sun-warmed grasses. But I don't know if there really was a line. And I don't really know which was worth more praise.

I stood there smiling in the sunshine at the easiness, the simplicity, while a white ball of energy tugged at the leash in my hand. The shadow--it will wax and wane in its own cycle. But the questions is--do I stay rooted in it and let it harden me and gift me a war story or do I find that invisible line and cross it somehow? What is this called? Pretending? Moving forward? Apathy? Fighting? Finding the Middle Path?

And if yes--to either of these options--how?

---

On an early morning walk,

my brow was determining, thoughtful

when standing in the shadow

that hardened its captors.

This is when I am most

beautiful.

I stepped back onto

the mattress of yielding, sunlit green,

my brow softened, my lips curled.

This is when I am most

beautiful.

---

On an early morning walk,

my brow was determining, thoughtful

when standing in the shadow

that hardened its captors.

Is this when I am most

beautiful?

I stepped back onto

the mattress of yielding, sunlit green,

my brow softened, my lips curled.

Is this when I am most

beautiful?

---

Early morning walk,

who sang louder--

the baritone frost or the shrill sun?

---

Finally standing in light,

did I step out of

or through

the shadow?

---

Finally standing in light,

which deserves more praise?

Roots and patience

or legs and decision?

---

Little dog,

even the shadows

have brightness to you.

How?

---

I stood still.

One foot in shadow,

the other in light.

You might think

I was listening

for an answer.

Or for anything.

#essay #personal