Step One: Be Brave

Taken fall 2013. Today at the Dallas Arboretum, I saw a giant, hollowed-out tree with a spiral staircase running through it. On one hand, it made me sad because I wondered whether the stately old tree had been cut unnecessarily, but on the other hand, I was completely intrigued by it. I had to take a second trip down this staircase, because it was dark in there, and I found myself thinking of MLK's quote, "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." So I took several pictures, hoping that they would turn out relatively obscure and go with the quote. Irony of all ironies--almost every last one of them came out clear. Still, the concept remains because A) I couldn't see the steps, and B) it is hard to see all of a spiral staircase, as ~Colorado-mTm tells me.
Additional note: Ironically, being brave has been my mantra lately, so I later wrote a haiku bundle that ended up being an unintentional half-supplement to this photo. The only difference is that while this photo talks about having faith even if the path is unfamiliar, in the poem I am discussing a path that, although I've been down it before, I don't know where it may lead. Despite the slight differences between the two pieces, I like their common theme.
Love Without FearWorn, familiar path:
I've traversed it once before.
Somehow, it feels right.

Thumping in my chest,
My heart acts as a compass.
I will let it lead.

Though doubt's whispers haunt
The dark, I must heed the calls
Of my inner voice.

Hopeful, my soul seeks
Mastery of life's purpose:
To love without fear.