The Folded Page

It was a strange time.
Standing at the edge,
I was unable to decide –
Should I take the step?

A lot had been advised.
A lot also introspected.
Yet I stood on the line
Fearing the unexpected.

What if I should fail?
What if I should lose?
Defeated by self-blame,
I searched for a truce.

Should I turn back?
Should I reconsider?
Maybe another plan
Could avoid failure.

Frustrated, I scribbled
“I Can’t” on a blank page.
Then, left it folded,
Trying hard to forget.

With no decision yet
I unfolded the page.
The crease had split
The written phrase.

Then, it was that I saw
The “I Can” in the “I Can’t.”
And, with a feeling of awe
I let go of my “Shan’ts.”

We all need such messages
At the crossroads of our lives.
And, this is how a folded page
Helped me overcome my strife.