Ladder stories

Two ardent players
pitting against each other
Gambling away the fates
with figments of desirous states

This ladder hauls one atop
And another towards gravity
when the former beams with pride
the latter scorns the stingy bite

fervently moving forward
the former hopes to be 'there'
at a distant space full of learnings
loading it with mirthful yearnings

The latter aches to be where the former is
bartering away its initial dreams
for what is out there
but with immense trepidation and care

When the two unite at an unlikely juncture
Latter asks former, "how is it up there?"
"Jittery, and reclusive "
"What about you?" .. asks the former
"inhibited and wretched"

"I wish to break free,
and flirt with the apex of your affairs.."
daringly adds the latter
"I wish to embrace your rootedness
with no fear of further falling"
wistfully mumbles the former.

Both make a compelling case
longing for the known and the unknown
with their only respite being the reciprocal uncertainty
of the happenings henceforth
Juggling to sustain the essence of a 'here' or a 'there'...



PC: -  https://www.123rf.com/photo_56918100_stock-vector-snakes-and-ladders-board-game-cartoon-illustration.html