Delicate Step

The child's eyes gaze down
the long, deserted hall
illuminated only
by the tiny nightlight

Her heartbeat quickens
and her eyes dart
panicked by the imagined
whispers in the shadows

She takes a delicate step
forward
only to see the hall
become longer

Ignoring her panicked heart
she puts her hands to her sides
another fearful step
yet no closer

More urgent now
she takes a deep breath
she must go
get down the hall

The eyes close
and she swallows
before bursting forth
racing blindly

She sees again
when she has made it
gratefully
flipping the switch

Turning back to look
at the deserted hall
she smiles quickly
knowing the truth

The distance is shorter if she runs.

7-5-02