We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.
-Plato
Plato, considered by many as the world’s greatest philosopher, has often been quoted throughout history. His thoughts and words are as relevant today as when he first uttered them.
The word “dark” has many meanings, many of which connote evil, hopelessness, and despair, all of which, I call, Children of Fear.
“Fear creates a tunnel,
And places you inside.
The tunnel is dark and impenetrable,
And isolating.
You look, but cannot see,
You listen, but cannot hear.
You know where you are,
But you cannot understand why.
In the beginning, the tunnel is like a womb:
You feel safe, protected, and secure.
But, in time, you sense that you are not alone.
An intruder has invaded the tunnel.
An intruder, whose name is Fear.
He holds you hostage,
And makes you feel insecure.
No longer do you have any options,
No longer are you free to choose.
Fear is in control.
Endlessly you stare into the tunnel,
Searching for a way out.
Until you detect a
Pinhole, a flicker of light,
Like the flame of a candle burning
In the breeze,
In the night.
You move cautiously toward the light,
Careful not to awaken Fear,
Who sleeps by your side.
At the end of the tunnel is an opening,
A huge circle bathed in bright light.
Your pace quickens, your heart pounds.
But near the end of the tunnel,
Instinctively, you slow down.
Standing in the opening,
You fill your lungs with fresh, sweet air.
You feel confident, secure.
In control.
Still, you look over your shoulder,
Still wary that Fear
Will suddenly appear.
Quickly, you must decide,
You’re free to choose:
The tunnel, or the light.
Can you decide?
Will you choose?”
This is an excerpt from a poem I wrote included in my book, “I’m Afraid: A Memoir.”
The atmosphere of chaos and fear existing in societies in the world, particularly in the United States, I believe, is the result of unscrupulous politicians, leaders, and despots who desire and plan to rule and control cities, states and countries unopposed.
Freedom to think, act, and live does not come without a price… it must be earned.
In order to possess this precious and sacred gift, we must struggle, wrestle with, and fight for it, here and throughout the world.
We can cower in the darkness of the tunnel, or we can choose to face and overcome Fear in the light.
Will you decide?
Will you choose?
Do Not Be afraid.