Choices

Choices

I walk the straight and narrow path, following the footprints ahead of me. Someone has been here before.  Someone will be there waiting at the very end.  Or will they?

My eyes swerve from side to side and all I can see is darkness. I hear voices echoing around me, happy greetings and mournful keenings. Some are loud and others faint. Then I realize something is out there.

I keep walking the straight and narrow path and feel nothing. The lifeless air that is choking me evokes a sliver of uncertainty and I wonder why I choose this course. Why do I follow the path that leads to silence?
Because it is easier and of no consequences. Because someone has been there before. Someone has decided this path for me.

I stop walking as a layer of mist falls and veils my eyes. I stand paralyzed not knowing what to do, where to go, whom to call. Then, I hear those voices again calling out my name from outside the path. Time stills as I feel something growing inside of me. Something like deviance. Oh, how I long to stray from the straight and narrow path to venture into the darkness.
Deviance sparks a flicker of hope. Perhaps in darkness, I will find the light and end this everlasting walk. And perhaps I can finally rest my aching feet and weary heart.

But do I dare to?
Do I dare to stray from the path where the footprints are, but the end is as certain as it is lifeless?
Do I dare to stray to the unknown where the end is only probable?
Do I dare to make my own footprints and not follow the steps someone has chosen for me?

The mist will soon fade away and I have to continue walking. 
Then, what should I do?
Should I keep treading the straight and narrow path?
Or should I walk away and brave the uncertainty?

I choose ....