Ahead and behind

It is made of hard packed dirt, uneven with stones, and trenches dug deep on either side. Dangerous ruts, that, once entered, are difficult to leave. Somehow it always seems gloomy, dark and lonely, the trees are tall, but twisted and strange, imposing against the cloudy sky. Looking back, the road behind me seems bright and welcoming, but if I look closer I can see the dark patches, the deep shadows where I wallowed in despair.
But the road ahead is long, and dark, and frightening because what lies around the next bend is unknown. I thought once that you would walk this road by my side, holding my hand, and smiling that sly smile you once reserved only for me, but you haven't shown up yet, and I haven't heard from you. And so, I face this road, full of blind turns, and long slow curves, alone. I know I must take a step soon, must choose whether to walk forward, and face my future alone, or turn around and regress back into the shadows among the brilliant shafts of brightness.
I hesitate, once again peering ahead of me, and then behind. The road ahead is windy, cold, and I am not dressed warmly enough to meet it, but I find myself stepping forward, leaving behind the false sunshine, and taking a chance.
The road ahead is long, but I cannot turn back now.