Attempting to climb atop the staircase labeled ‘ success’,

I sometimes miss a stair -

taking a trip backward,

struggling to redirect my legs.

Frustrated with trying again and again,

I’ve convinced myself that at the top,

there is probably nothing.

In fact, no matter how fast I sprint upward,

or how tight I grip hold of the railing,

my calves still sting with pain -

and I am never

at the top.

I am tired of climbing senselessly.