your fears

you have a fear
of bridges, so you travel
over one, and back,
again and again
until it subsides.
you have a fear
of raw seafood, so you
indulge in various
sushi until that fear
too wanes,
you fear public
speaking so you join
the toastmasters
and become an orator
of some renown,
reciting your poetry
at large gatherings.
and then there's heights,
so you climb the steps
of the empire
state building and
stare downward until
that fear too is lessened,
and then there's
love.