James Kelley Poet Free verse

Stepping Forward

I’ve journeyed this far;

I’ve kicked the stones off the ledge
and imagined them screaming like 

I did when I hit the bottom that led me here. 

My body did not rupture, but I can feel the fissures
schism. Undulating their disbelief of my posterity.

He wasn’t built for this.

I can hear the jagged hum of the Empire’s regard.

Pointing fingers dislocated my pride-

I ran toward where I thought peace would be. 

I found nothing but more horizon.

Higher hilltops to throw my grace down. 

Larger stones to compare my resilience. 

But, no reason. No person.

To accept my pledge. 

Or to accompany me on my way to the
place I have sketched in my mind. 

I watch the dust carried by the wind, 

and as it flies far past the edge of where
I stand- I wonder. 

What lies beyond? 

Can I become the dirt cast by the hunting gusts of
purpose? 

Will I be able to stand the fall when I meet the hard
Earth of where I’m meant to be? 

Or will I falter? And become smaller still? 

Forced to carry on in a more insignificant existence. 

I can only step forward. 

-James Kelley 2018

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