These things take time 

Unwillingness 

Irreverence 

Obdurate omnipresence 

Stepping afar induced relief 

from a personalized station. 

The first step brought hesitation 

Well compatriot, it was more than the first 

As I switched right to left I shuffled backwards in bursts Fully approaching with forward motion 

She was startled as though a doe 

Fully halting engagement made the entire advancement forgo 

Natural forward motion 

Lunar eclipses guide the ocean 

Waves roll in, one after the next 

Never worrying about wavering, 

never waver on with worry. 

Reflect as though a deer facing off headlights, 

The final showdown, 

Always unknown. 

The moon reflects the sun, 

though only moonlight shows. 

Singular steps mirror the success of future days unseen. 

Stationed in a combative theater 

Deployment essential, 

an unwanted dream. 

Identity reveals and intrepid zeitgeist 

Never look back, 

but always think twice. 

Perfection arranges complexes 

Levels wring the necks of their proclaimers 

Elucidate the ambient reckoning 

Pressure echoing in the heart of fools

Precipitate out the privilege 

Shed the foolhardiness and praise 

Simplify, don’t crucify 

In lighter moments rest your gaze 

With the steps come hesitation, 

And hesitations abandon as time, 

Comes forward for resequestration, 

Of our Hearts, our Bodies, and Minds 

Obdurate omnipresence 

Built the cornerstone of all contentions 

Projected premonitions in all directions 

Though barely a signal was detected 

Never assume that the “right step” should be taken… When it only was directed 

I think I may know my next step. 

Again. 

For the first time.

Written by Alaina Welser

Graphic by Hannah Russell