Submission

Walking on the varied levels of sand I stood on the edge unthinking of consequence It gave way No one more surprised than me Oh yes, true thing learned: The edge is unstable The footing unsure In my youth what did I care...I did not stand I dove off the edge and the water buffered me fate was kind to me Over and over and over I was too lucky Now the edge is a very wary place Each foot step is measured... calculated The stairs are to be respected ...deep reverence paid at the top Almost holy thanks ......at the bottom A hill is something to be approached with concentration No running or "are you serious?" Rolling down it? Rocks were skipping stones upon which I showed him my carefree love of life...daringly striding ...leaping...flinging my self out to sea Now Each angle is measured, each curve assessed Each variation in height and level reviewed...before the step As it is with rocks and steps so too it is now with me and men 15 invitations of marriage ...how could it be? I live alone Afraid of the steps different levels of ground the unforgiving giving way of what one wishes to trust The relentlessly untrustworthy The beauty of my integrity and I live alone Joy is my waking up and my going to bed My toast and my coffee Joy is my bed fellow and joy is my best friend The ground may be uneven but my life has found its stride