The Word Is I

I am a paradox, walking on alligators. (1)

One moment I am Amazon Woman

Crossing a raging river on the backs 

of killers with big teeth. 

Next I am a little red-haired girl

crouched on the banks of the same

river, trembling, crying

Afraid. 

Paralyzed with fear.

How do I push through that paralysis?

I pick up my pencil.

If I can just write one word, I will break the spell.

What word could that be?

“I”

Yes, “I”.  I am.

Caught on this ferris wheel of life,I must remember to cherish the

joy of being on top where it is clear, where I can see forever and ever. 

I don’t know how long I will get to sit up here this time, but at least I know this feeling is just for me. For now, this minute, I know right where I am.  

Those are the words the little frightened girl, on the side of the river, is going to say the next time she is paralyzed with fear, 

“I write.”

(1) “Walking on Alligators” is the name of a brilliant book by Susan Shaughnessy.