Progress

You can't move forward

without stepping back.

Some see this as Sisyphus

pushing stones up mountains

to watch them skip back down

all the way to the pit below. 

But progress isn't punishment;

it's a dance. 

Move one step forward

take three steps back. 

Watch as people witness your dance. 

You're meant to be here. 

Moving and grooving the drums of your feet. 

Leap one step forward.

Take three steps back. 

Move across the dance floor

one step at a time. 

Lunge one step forward.

Parry three steps back. 

Dance to the beat

of the thrums of your heart. 

It won't lead you astray. 

Crawl one step forward. 

Roll three paces back. 

Your dance is your own.

Creative, unique

like a fingerprint. 

Take one pace to breathe.

Take three steps back to the bar. 

Choose water instead.

Dancing is sweaty work

and drink dulls the senses. 

Take one step forward

and three steps back

until you make your way

to the dull glowing exit sign. 

Image created using Night Café Studio.