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author’s note:
A stairway with no end.
THE SPIRAL STAIRWAY
I may seem to be going in circles
over a path worn down to dusty ruts
but I believe:
I’m actually going up
a spiral stairway—
rising higher with every step—
with every step rising higher—
higher:
where the soul wants the heart to go.
To those who insist that’s nonsense
I say
Consider how this belief benefits me:
Because I believe our dizzy life
has a grand purpose
I’m willing to endure the vertigo.
And this belief encourages me
to keep on trying
to lift myself up—
high enough
for me to take
the next big step on this stairway.
And that helps everyone, doesn’t it?
I can see
why someone would think
we are only going in circles.
But whatever the reality may be
shouldn’t we try to find beliefs
that will motivate us
to keep on lifting ourselves up?—
to keep on lifting our world up?
High enough
for us to take
the next big step on this spiral stairway.
Searching for my best beliefs: poetry book
dream steps blog
myth steps blog
you tube channel
© 2025, Michael R. Patton
author’s note: Wishing you the best on all your big steps in 2023. STEPPING WITH THE BABY The bold blind wandering fool I once was has become a seasoned explorer who can see potential risk and knows men and women of courage do not always win. Even those who’ve checked every box on the list. But this man also realizes if he doesn’t answer the call he will die. And so I lift my foot to take the next step. But even after all these years a baby still clings to my back. Being so immature that tot couldn’t care less about higher necessities-- it only worries about its own well-being-- neither reason nor cooing will stop that child from kicking and crying. So I do not try to negotiate but continue to stretch my stride. And when the raised foot lands back on solid ground-- that child calms down but only for a while: as soon as one scary step has settled firmly another scary step demands to be heard. What a labor, the way we humans live. But at times I can put aside the careful adult and that anxious infant to allow another child-- a child of wonder-- to open my eyes to the incredible life to be found on every step of this path.
Common Courage: poetry book
dream steps blog
myth steps blog
you tube channel
© 2022, Michael R. Patton
Michael Patton
sky rope (subterranean rappel) 