O the Indignity of It All
Last summer when hiking with some friends
We came to a place where the trail ends
A road had been cut and stolen the trees
An 18 year old balanced the side
When all of the sudden his mother did cry
Get off that ledge have you lost your mind
And then all of the others with her did chime
I said you guys are silly he’s not going to fall
Anyone could do it anyone at all
All walked on, they had saved his neck
I looked and stared and said what the heck
As my friends walked on I stood on the ledge
Started to balance then looked over the edge
Far, far below all rocks, okay boulders
I realized I hadn’t done this since I became older
The only thought that came was
Oh man this is gonna a hurt
My arms flailing quickly
all my senses alert
I know I looked like an idiot jerking forward and back
But then all my friends turned and went on attack
So much cussing and screaming had they all lost their minds
Tried though I might no voice I could find
With everything in me came the smallest of “help"
My friend reached and grabbed me
And threw me to the ground
Then all of my friends did gather around
I couldn’t get up so hard I did laugh
Then I stood to plead sanity on my own behalf
Look I’m as shocked as you
I used to do this in my sleep
I thought that as you grew older
At least your balance you could keep
After my laughter subsided
Indignity sunk in
I hadn’t felt so very old
Since I couldn’t remember when
I vowed right then before we left
That before my next birthday
I’d go back and walk that ledge
No matter what they had to say
So in the middle of summer
If my pen should suddenly mute
Just know that I am mending
And my pride is following suit
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