The Path

This road is not without sacrifice. It is not without pain or disappointment. There is no guarantee that it can even be successfully traversed. Many have tried it, even more have failed. The cobblestone path is not well defined and the rocks that are composed of it are not smooth or pretty. Some loosely sit on top of the sandy earth and slip away underneath the treading foot. Jagged edges scrape against the pants and no foothold is completely stable, though every step must be made in complete confidence for the weak will always fall. Some will walk this path and never find the end. Others will find the end but forget the path. At every turn there is uncertainty. The winding path often becomes difficult to travel and may even reach a dead end. Small successes become great triumphs and great triumphs may just be the next step forward. Love will be lost, friends will disappear, family may turn their back and self doubt will rear it's ugly face. Happiness will be hard pressed to find. It takes an incredible amount of strength and courage to undertake it's path. Great intelligence and determination is necessary for navigation. But only through sacrifice will one see the end. There is no going back either for the fall is mighty and should one turn their attention away the road would consume them. Caleb took this road.

The other road is lined intricately with white brick and colorful mosaics. Flora and fauna grow in harmony with the straight road and the end is easily reached. No challenges of worth present themselves and the ease of the sojourn makes internal growth impossible.  No need for hard work or self improvement. There is no struggle, no hardships and no long term fight for joy. Quick and instant gratification. Why wait for happiness when one could gain it immediately? The road is open to everyone and all, and very rarely do those find its path a difficult endeavor. She took the other road.

At the fork both decided their route. Through everything that preceded they made their way together. They prevailed. But faced with their choices, both made their steps forward. In truth Caleb had made his choice much earlier and lest be consumed he had to continue. Caleb was strong, she was weak. Caleb was brave, she was a coward.

 "A fucking coward!"

Correction: She was a 'fucking coward'. Yes, he surely had to sacrifice.

 "Everything! And yet I continue forward! And for what!?"

For the destination.  For your fate.

"Fuck fate! I am so tired of this! Just sick and tired! I feel chained to this road! The very same road that is supposed to grant me freedom! Freedom from poverty! From Anger! FROM MYSELF! Yet with every step nothing improves. It never gets any better."

Again, self doubt will rear its ugly face. Faith in the path may be lost but never can the sojourner show weakness. Weakness is liable to failure. Every sacrifice made is completely necessary for the traveler's success even though the commitment to such sacrifice will cause disillusionment, sorrow and even increased difficulty.

"It's just too hard!"

Every ounce of anger and frustration now coming through Caleb's tone.

"What is the point of the destination if the road itself will kill me?! I don't even know the destination!"

Of course the destination is unknown Caleb, it changes with every step. And never was there an assurance that it would be easy. It's not easy but nothing worth having ever is. Caleb knew his anger was just a product of his journey now being undertaken alone.

"She is a fucking coward!"

I know Caleb. But her company would bring you down. You were struggling on the way here even, what makes you think you could survive this?

"Love!"

Love? It does not exist on this road. Nothing matters but the end. Everything else is subject to change just as you are Caleb.

"And what do you know of love?"

Your right Caleb, I am but a humble pen but through me a mad writer pours his heart out.

"Well he's full of shit! He claims to know of this road when he himself has yet to complete it!"

You are correct, but who better to convey it's frustrations than one who views it from within. I know you are in pain Caleb.

"I am."

I know you have lost faith.

"I have."

 But strength is required ahead. Failure is not an option. One does not travel this road for it's scenery. There are no pretty side paths that lead through valleys and furtive plains. The ground below you is harsh and uninhabitable. When one reaches the end and looks upon the journey behind them they do not see this. What lies before them is their own strength and a greater appreciation for the struggle. And you will feel empowered because you have become God. You will look upon your triumph with arms raised in a 'V' and shout out 'Success! Finally! I've done it! I've overcome adversity and even myself! I AM HERE!' And your thunderous voice will echo throughout the world and force those who took the other path to look upon their own journey. But what will they see? What will she see?

"Mediocrity."

 Exactly.

"It's what she deserves."

No Caleb, It is what they all deserve.







C.R.