On Passionate Writing

When I face the desolute impossibility of writing 500 pages, 

a sick sense of failure falls on me.

Me: (What a daunting task! 

Can I ever get it done?

I fear not . . .) 

I know I can never do it.

This happens every time.

Me: (Every single time.

Never fails but the haunting fear of failing hovers

like a bird of prey . . .

taunting,

teasing,

assuring me I'll never get it done!)

Then, gradually, I write one page . . .

Then another.

One day's work is all I can permit myself to contemplate,

and I eliminate the possibility of never finishing.

Me: (Smile)

--John Steinbeck