BOOK II — THE COMING

Chapter IV — Of the Narrow Way

(The Veil Version — VV)
1. Two paths lay open,
both visible,
neither hidden.
2. One was smooth,
well marked,
and crowded with reassurance.
3. The other bore no sign,
offered no promise,
and required attention at every step.
4. Many chose the first,
not out of malice,
but from relief.
5. For ease speaks quickly,
and difficulty remains silent.
6. Those who entered the narrow way
did not do so confidently;
hesitation accompanied them,
and doubt walked beside them.
7. Progress was slower there.
Losses were felt sooner.
Companions were fewer.
8. Yet the ground held firm,
and each step, once placed,
did not betray them.
9. On the wider road,
speed increased,
but direction blurred,
and distance was mistaken for progress.
10. When the paths finally diverged beyond return,
recognition arrived too late
for comparison.
11. For the reward of the narrow way
was not found at its end,
but forged along it.
12. So it was written:
the greater reward
was reserved
not for the chosen path,
but for the choosing.