Canyon Walls

yet again
my balance wanes.
my callused hands
grip the sweat-soaked rock.
i steady my shaking limbs.
hold on. hold on. i whisper to the air
as my body peels from the rock.
my mind screams against God for relevance.
the Madness beckons.
then
a subtle shift of a toe.
and a twist of a foot.
and my balance is regained.
my mind settles.
they would be proud, 
if they knew.

but i was born to this untamed precipice.
far from the confidence of well-traveled cliffs.
in the privacy of my own heights
i hang with burning muscles
and wonder at the Abyss below:
shall i regain my post
to poise myself yet again
to steady myself for the next slip
and to grasp again?
or surrender to the Fall and rest?

there are ledges above i will never reach.
but those on other cliffs will never track mine.
so here i struggle, 
finger hold by finger hold,
fighting back the Emptiness;
only to hear my voice echo against the lonely canyon walls.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Dylan Avatar
May 11, 2014 at 9:08 AM
OHH THAT DAM Emptiness that we fight and hold above our heads, and stubble with Mr. uncertainly.. why cant there be happiness 24/7... instead of slipping into unreality .... hugs der man Brooke
Dylan Avatar
May 11, 2014 at 9:21 AM
not stubble struggle ...lol
Dylan Avatar
May 11, 2014 at 9:08 AM
HUGS DEAR MAN much love Brooke
Shiells Avatar
April 30, 2014 at 10:18 AM
Hello Sam, WOWWOW! Your writing is so very good! Very descriptive I must say. I adored this write! Thank you so much for sharing this poem with us! Bravo:~) Peace, Deborah
Toil Avatar
April 30, 2014 at 11:11 AM
Once again, Deborah, you overwhelm with praise! I am so looking forward to getting to know you and your poetry better;) Look for my comments! Peace...Sam
Lamoureux Avatar
April 23, 2014 at 8:42 AM
I like your choice of metophor. I can feel my fingers grasping onto the rock.
Toil Avatar
April 23, 2014 at 9:07 AM
Thanks, Rick. I'm glad it came through. Peace..Sam
Marcum Wong Avatar
April 22, 2014 at 2:52 PM
Aloha Sam, l feel nature helps us to be in contact with our inner most self, that spiritual self that dwells within, and it is at that time we feel one with the divine source when a thin line divides us from life or death. Your brilliant poem conveys this to me. You seem filled with the kind of courage it takes to fully experience life. I am happy to meet such a kindred spirit.
Toil Avatar
April 22, 2014 at 3:07 PM
And I am happy to meet you as well, lovely Connie. Your words ring so true. I actually was once a rock climber when I was younger. And that feeling of oneness "with the divine source" you refer to is exactly what it feels like when you are holding onto to a rock face. I am so gratified I could convey to you this image. Thanks so much for your warm, inviting comment. Peace..Sam
Gibson Avatar
April 21, 2014 at 8:27 PM
Enjoying your writing... this piece, a great metaphor for life.
Toil Avatar
April 21, 2014 at 8:37 PM
Hi Faye. Thanks for stopping by. And for your gracious comment. Its so nice to meet you. I look forward to reading your work. Peace...Sam
Kendrick Avatar
April 21, 2014 at 4:06 PM
Very expressive, emotive, and creative work..I like the use of the metaphors..Thanks for the visit to my page.Sara
Toil Avatar
April 21, 2014 at 4:21 PM
Sara. As always I cherish your thoughts. I look forward tomorrow morning to begin my day with one your many, many beautiful works. Peace.
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