Holding On

Purposely off center, on tippy toe.
What a feat; completely nuts.
Tummy tuck, umbrella in hand,
just clowning around; on the brink
of a niagara fall. Tintinnabulation of
power, provoking an audience cower;
…over the rainbow it seems.
                            The audience holds on for dear life.

Colors blossoming like sunbursts.
Muscling up courage to close my eyes.
The ringing in my mind, an eruption
of a pale face, red honker, on the edge.
Blinking umbrella with ab rise and fall.
What was I thinking? Can’t turn back,
losing my grip, decentralized.
                           The audience holds on for dear life.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Wolf Avatar
September 24, 2025 at 9:03 PM
This one has me walking the tightrope. Vivid as hell, Kim.
Rodrigues Avatar
September 24, 2025 at 9:15 PM
LOL! Be careful ;)
Rodgers Avatar
September 24, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Dear Kim, the line about "muscling up courage to close my eyes" is such a powerful way to describe that feeling of vulnerability and fear. It's a brave thing to write something so personal. Loved! Blessings, Kim, Daniel
Rodrigues Avatar
September 24, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Well, the protagonist is not me…lol. I was just having fun writing :) Thank you, my friend!
Andresen Avatar
September 24, 2025 at 11:05 AM
- "on the brink of a niagara fall" ... far down in mental state, Kim ... needs expert treatment - hugs
Rodrigues Avatar
September 24, 2025 at 1:29 PM
LOL! First verse is very circus like or like a performer over the Niagara. Things start to go awry in the second verse. Still, the outcome is uncertain. The audience is in suspense ;)
Greenhough Avatar
September 23, 2025 at 10:03 PM
I get a daring somewhat sporting sensation from reading "Holding On". Your poem makes my heart pump faster
Rodrigues Avatar
September 24, 2025 at 5:21 AM
My daughter once said, in the presence of her Dad’s friend, that her fear was “of jumping.” He said, “Me too!” And I was like, “What?!” I, of course knew and understood the fear of falling but of jumping… You likewise sound daring. I’m smiling…hugs
George Avatar
September 23, 2025 at 9:44 PM
Now on second reading, I understood it better. Such scenes are so shocking ! Recently we had seen on the T. V. a man posing to jump from the edge of a cliff, threatening he would kill himself unless acquitted of his charge. Powerful poem, dear Kim.
Rodrigues Avatar
September 24, 2025 at 5:19 AM
Thank you, Valsa, whether a performer or a person on the edge, the suspense…
Dietrich Avatar
September 23, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Wow. Is this person suicidal? Great description!
Rodrigues Avatar
September 24, 2025 at 5:18 AM
Not necessarily, but I could see that interpretation. It is the suspense of the audience on the edge… Thank you, my friend!
Buhagiar Avatar
September 23, 2025 at 4:36 AM
Quite creative.
Rodrigues Avatar
September 24, 2025 at 5:16 AM
Thank you, Victor!
Etgen-Baker Avatar
September 22, 2025 at 5:21 PM
enjoyed this metaphorical poem of courage and facing reality of one's decision....well penned, hugs, Sara
Rodrigues Avatar
September 24, 2025 at 5:16 AM
Thank you, Sara!
Rolland Avatar
September 22, 2025 at 4:39 PM
very creative, facing reality can be tough, your poem has great impact
Rodrigues Avatar
September 24, 2025 at 5:16 AM
Thank you, Yann!
Hind Avatar
September 22, 2025 at 2:14 PM
"Muscling up courage to close my eyes." Amazing making circles, dear Kim
Rodrigues Avatar
September 22, 2025 at 3:27 PM
:)
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