Fear

 What do you do when the fear of growing old, living life alone, and dying abandoned begin to consume your heart and mind?  What does it take to banish this fear?  What is the first STEP?

This didn't use to bother me what seemed ages ago.  This fear was pushed at the back burner; to be dealt with in some future time.  Well, that time of facing up to the truth has come sneaking ferociously, devouring every ounce of my confidence, chipping mightily at my sense of hope.  And here I am, paralyzed with fear.

Is there life beyond to look forward to?  Are there happy days still?  Are there glorious moments filled with gaiety and merriment, adventure and discovery?  The hollow echoes of silence greet me.  Its mocking laughter taunting me to see only a veiled glimpse of a future filled with unknowns.  There is no answer yet.  

So casting aside my crippling emotions, I endure to its bitter end.