Age Steps

The steps of growth

Line up before me.

I am not far from the bottom.

Neither am I afraid of  heights 

But these steps make me dizzy.

I just scaled through some fears

And I am still breathless.

The climb stretches further than my eyes

Or mind can see.

There are bruises from slipping

The Band-Aid of experience

Sticks to my skin

The spirit of betrayal stings

This is a one man walk.

But I still drag baggage

Of friends.

Friends unsure.

I face the step of human relations

And I am falling.

Grasping for help.

One man walk; I forgot.

The cuts from this have not healed

May never heal.

I am too unsure and fearful. 

So I pitch my tent.

Tired of trying.

This step is too steep

My legs too short.

My hands too tired

And my heart battered.

One man walk.

But I need banisters.

For in this walk,

If I slip;

I may never rise.

Above all of this petty.

The steps of growth

Line up before me

I can't wait to get to the top.

Nkem Oyaghire