Stepping Stones
Susan Heffron Hajec
By the water’s edge, she sheds her shoes
and steps toward the stone path
winding just off shore.
With no turning back I mind, she releases
the safety of ground beneath her feet
and any doubt that holds her back.
Moving forward is what she intends.
Turning the old version of herself into
the new vision of dreams, ripe and ready
through the soil of her new springtime.
Just as the seedling engages with the soil,
sunshine and rain spins its path
to the light of day.
She mixes risk with courage to bring her plant
to bloom in a world hungry for the sweetness
of flowers and green promise of hope.
Napkinwriter 