a staircase and a hope

down
down
down

the staircase
i descend
into
darkness
this
shadow
of doubt
that clouds
my better judgment

forced
to view
my incompetents
my inadequacy
my inclination
[to fail]
by the man
in the mirror
with that
unsettling
grin
upon his face

what shallow
what hallow
heart would
allow
such dispair
to grip
like barbed wire
upon it

apparently mine

through
the fog
a light
pierces
the abyss
and guides
along paths
inside
this catacomb
this final
resting place
for valor
for strength
for life

to
a staircase
and
a hope

up
up
and
away