I know you
like the last step
in a staircase:
enshrouded in darkness.

I slowly stretch a brave leg across
the unknown dimensions;
do I relieve myself
with another familiar step?

Or do I brace myself
for the cold, naked floor?
Do I leave the routine journey
to step into a world extrinsic?

What will happen if I dare be brave;
will my foot sink through the transparent tier
to tumble aimlessly through the void,
screaming curses at my misplaced courage?

I just don't know anymore;
balancing my leg in the still air--
the temptation to pirouette
shakily and ascend anxiously.

To escalate the last step,
I find to be much easier;
My strength carries me forwards
as the light receives me warmly.

But down below,
in the shadows' taunting musings,
I cannot put faces to the voices
that call me into their reckless abandon.

I know you
like the last step
in a staircase,
faceless amorphous Guile;

your voice... indelible.

See a familiar name on a birthday card
My parents hand me one that I soon discard
They didn't write a thing on the envelope
But that's better than giving me false hope

Their envelope is full of lovely gifts
Not an empty gesture, at least I don't think (so)
Because they know that she's a memory
And I am grateful but that won't stop me

"Good luck!"
The bartender said,
with a grin on his head.

With raised glasses
around the bar.

With a collective gulp,
our worries vanished.

With a collective flick,
our cigarettes lit.

and we all sat silently,
contemplating our own
specific set of doubts.

Looking for
our light within.