Progress

Change is painful,
ripping ourselves bit by bit from the ruts we have worn,
and stumbling, stretching, or throwing ourselves onto a new and better path.

Sometimes, it's only a mere inch from where you are,
and it only takes a step to further yourself.

Other times, the road that you're on is in a deep dark gulch,
and the path lit by heaven's light is miles above you.

We cannot always claw our way up through all the stone and mud,
but there is always a way of reaching out.

Someone who is waiting to hear our pleas,
and is ready to carry us up the slope when your strength fails us,
our knees buckle, legs cramp, fingers stiffen to claws at the end of our aching arms.

An ear that will listen to whatever words we scavenge and peel from deep inside ourselves,
which is sometimes all we need.
An unburdening that will lighten us just enough,
that we can once again gain our feet,
and trudge ahead to where the light is brighter,
and shadows no longer bury us.