Parsha Shelach

              So they brought to the Israelites
              an unfavorable report of the land
               that they had spied out.
                       Numbers 13:32

And the Israelites wanted
to stay just where they were--
even meandering held comfort
They knew the rhythms of their
comings and goings
To leave, to trust, to venture
beyond, might mean places
that chafed, discomfort,
a new set of risks

We, too, avoid taking chances
afraid of a misstep
and skittish about success