I am a game of chess

My writing is like a man playing a game of chess, constantly thinking about the effect that my next move will have on myself and others. Never knowing what will truly happen as a result, I think long and hard on what to write. Mapping out all possible ideas and outcomes before I finally make my decision. Constantly second guessing myself, changing what I write as I write it. Going back, erasing and changing the ideas that I have just spit out onto the paper. But I feel that once I begin, the right things to say just come naturally. No longer needing to think as hard or plan as much as I had. Seeing two, three, even four moves ahead of me, I am able to quickly gather ideas in my head and organize them in my writing. That is, until the closing statements. This is where a game of chess becomes most intense, the final few pieces remain on the board. And I freeze up, being extremely cautious, knowing my next move could very well be my last.

photo by romainguy