What Might Be?

Written January 24, 2010

When does the line become visible?
I think I’ll know when I cross it,
but is it a first down or a loss of yards?

I’m afraid
of irreversibility.

I don’t want to dig myself down
into a hole that I can’t refill.
Once I take out the shovel,
there’s no returning it to the shed,
hidden from you,
is there?

It seems safer not to try,
removing the risk of breaking your trust.
I fear losing what we have yet to gain,
but my game plan fails
when my curiosity interferes.
I can’t help but wonder,

though I’m afraid
of missed opportunity—

What might be?