Paralyzed

This poem is about how sometimes anxiety, fear, doubt, or uncertainty can be so debilitating, that it becomes terrifying to even think about what step to take and where to take that step.

the bones and bodies of trees surround me

their brittle branches crackling from the frostbite

the cacophony of rushing water

rapidly running to

a stream

so silent and so serene 

it may as well be 

frozen in time

is it peaceful or passive?

i look ahead and see hundreds of footprints

people have trotted here

trudged 

treaded

here on the snow

 

i wonder

should i step in their footprints?

or create my own?

the terror paralyzes me

do i stop on the scraps of snow?

reminding me of cutting out paper snowflakes

or do i step on the footprints where i can see what lies beneath?

i can see clearly if there is ice or not

but with the snow...

i don't know

i could slip and crack my back 

or i could conquer and crush the slush, ice 

and snow underneath my feet

why does it matter?

do i have to decide?

should i just not pay attention to where i walk?

does how i get to my destination matter?

i look for answers all around me 

but there doesn't seem to be a living thing 

in sight

Author's Note

This poem is told outside of myself. As in, it isn't really about me, only some of it is relatable for me, but this is not me speaking.