Re-Post: A Bridge to Another World

Just a plain, ordinary bridge that looked
strong
solid
straight
not too narrow
not too wide

The night was dark ~ 
how long was the bridge
not so distant lights looked more welcoming than the land just behind ~ hostile and dangerous ~
too dangerous for this traveler of many worlds

But what lay under the bridge
beneath was there a 
deep chasm to be forever lost in
raging river threatening to drown any soul falling in
was the bridge as new and strong as it looked

how could I tell
who could tell me
walking in the world,
sureness of strength and wits
had carried much weight,
but were no longer reliable.

is this the only bridge to be crossed
dare I set foot on it
dare I try to go into this other world 
just to get out of this self-created chaos

no rules are posted for crossing a bridge this size ~
just keep to the side
hold on to the rail should steps falter
keep moving slow and steady.

The choice to turn back always remains ~ but....
what if I am the bridge?

"If you doubt yourself, then indeed 

you stand on shaky ground."

~ Henrik Ibsen