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The Spy Lives On the Cool Edge

Tight-lipped, tough, the spy
  lives on the cool edge
one side is death
  the other, still breath

He's sniffed the danger
  sensed its pulse, wild
felt its noose slipped over his neck --
  repulsed by its cold wet muzzle   

A-twitch in the shadow of a grave
  heaving up torrents of tears
Each one a mocking witness to how scared
  as hell he is of death and dying

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Rico Leffanta

Date: 8/23/2021 11:55:00 AM

Going, going, gone! No matter how nor when, gone is gone, so why stress out about it? Best to be prepared for whatever happens next!

Gershon Wolf
Date: 8/23/2021 8:04:00 PM

That's the spy's attitude 'to a T.' Just get prepped for the next crisis... 'til something so powerful punches you in the gut that you just can't ignore that little voice inside you anymore. ~ Gershon

L Milton Hankins

Date: 8/23/2021 10:11:00 AM

Marvelous write, Gershon. I think everyone lives with a latent (and sometimes active) fear of death.

Gershon Wolf
Date: 8/23/2021 8:06:00 PM

I agree, Milt. At least the vast majority fear it -- or at least fearing the known (life here) for the unkown (what? where?). Hope & Love, Gershon

Evelyn Judy Buehler

Date: 8/22/2021 9:40:00 PM

No one is truly fearless, but courage is facing one's fears. Brilliant writing, Gershon. :)

Gershon Wolf
Date: 8/23/2021 8:07:00 PM

Yup, you've nailed it, Evelyn. ! :) gw

Eve Roper

Date: 8/22/2021 7:14:00 PM

A brave man, but at the end of the day sleep with one eye open. Well written verse, Gershon

Gershon Wolf
Date: 8/23/2021 8:08:00 PM

Good advice from the Fox. I'll take it. ~ The Wolf, reserving one eye for open-eyed-sleeping

Jennifer Fenn

Date: 8/22/2021 7:10:00 PM

I think these feelings are inside everyone of us. We project bravery, but inside, we are vulnerable. Well-penned, Gershon.

Gershon Wolf
Date: 8/23/2021 8:12:00 PM

You have it right, Jennifer. Our vulnerability is always there, no matter how impenetrable the armor aroud it... :) gw

Michelle Faulkner

Date: 8/22/2021 6:37:00 PM

Cool on the outside, but the inside a different story, intriguing juxtaposition here, gw~

Gershon Wolf
Date: 8/23/2021 8:17:00 PM

Yup. 'Cool' is usually covering up something red-hot deep down. ~ gw