In the moment

 A haibun

I climb the spiralling stone steps, the already narrow way seemingly narrower at each curve. One, two, three .. twenty five... I place my trust in my guide ahead of me, in his experience. When the light bulb blows I instinctively begin to feel my own way, hands against the cool rough walls. I position my foot so that my toes tap the bottom ledge of the next step then trace it to the top. I ward off long ago episodes of mild claustrophobia and acrophobia by trying to keep count of my steps until concentration gives way to faith.

in the dark

all eyes

look inward