The Way Back

by jesst

Every time I get lost,

he finds me, the guide

(and why is he always male?)

to lead me back, to tell me it is hard,

to let me know that I need to continue.

 

I don’t want to follow.

I don’t want to be on his path.

Getting off is not an option.

Not yet.

 

The path is surrounded by stone walls.

I cannot see the end to their height.

But further ahead, they will dissolve,

and I can step into warm sand,

walk off the polished stones.

 

He reminds me that it will take time,

effort,

maybe my life.

 

It will be worth it,

he promises.

Maybe he is right.

Maybe not.

 

I am too far along to turn back.