Learning Curve
the dreams of flight
have abandoned my nights
the frantic swimming through heavy air
close to the danger of the ground
some nameless fear
always close behind me
faster and faster I’d fly
but never quickly enough
still my heart pounded
still my breath was forced
maybe courage has taken hold
deep in my brain stem
branching out from the amygdala
a bitter sweet almond of emotion
formed by repeated trust
the tape played over and over again
the neurons drumming
the learning curve arcing
until I simply know it— in my bones
I can turn and face the terror
I can stop
and simply gaze into its eyes
Pamela Olson, 11/16/08
Written for the prompt “courage”
Painting by Rick Mobbs
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