New Post

he checks the group

one he used to visit daily

back in the day

notices a familiar
yet different screen name
interesting post in a familiar style

unsure
he replies playfully
testing the waters

she responds tentatively
artistic yet ambiguous
(he knows it is her)

now drawn
as moth to flame
into the dance

post answers post
sometimes directly
sometimes obliquely

testing, teasing
exploring risks and benefits
evaluating previous connection (so long ago)

questions arise
should he let it be,
play it safe

or is opportunity
opening a window

to the next level
that once closed
will never reopen

potential bliss

or pain
and loneliness

in the past
they scratched the surface
in one dimension

never really
digging deep
exploring the nuances

he has learned
about the fragility
of human connection

he knows that, once enacted
either response has a ripple effect
out of his control and beyond his reach

so, the question:

is a failed attempt
more meaningful than no attempt at all

would it cause harm
reopening old wounds

he has learned
to assess his fear
and embrace it

rather than hiding or running
confronting fear brings him closer to his core
regardless of the results

he has learned
to follow his gut
rather than his brain

to do so
without expectation
living in the moment

the real choice is

stay in the false safety of the tent
or step out into the unfiltered light
to face the (potential) beast

courage is not in being unafraid,
but being afraid and yet
continuing onward

choosing courage
the outcome
is left to the beast
 (C)2017 Raibeart Bruis