ON THE EDGE

Always on the edge
just a hairs breath away
standing on the ledge

the chasm continually
getting wider
getting deeper

insight and understanding
form a tight wire rope across
all the words I have spoken

jagged rocks lie below
sinking sand awaits
a harsh wind blows

I slow down and rest
shadow becomes a friend
to hide the marks left behind

the stripes of sadness
the bruises of loneliness
the evidence of despair

I am condemned by my word
found guilty by what occurred
imprisoned by my world

I take responsibility
it was my vulnerability
my own lack of humility

they were my windmills
grinding out my life
even as I built them.

I cast off failure
like dead skin
in my reflection

I chose to see what I want to see
I reveal what I am willing to risk
Can you see me now?

I really enjoyed that, however, I would have liked to envision billowy clouds in that deep and wide chasm instead of jagged rocks, that would allow you to soar free away from that world and which would wrap around you to break your fall, then carry you off to another place.

a reply to: grayeagle

Your perch reminded me of Robin Trower's album Bridge of Sighs…

Sometimes a little blues might be the only thing that cheer us up.

This is one of my most favorite poems of yours, greyeagle! I appreciate the form of it, and can relate to the feeling you describe. The language carries depth and does not insist on a rhyme where one does not need to be.

Failure, vulnerability and transformation - choice - very good!!!

Thank you for posting this...

a reply to: grayeagle

I like this part:

I take responsibility it was my vulnerability my own lack of humility - See more at: www.abovetopsecret.com...

That's something that I need to learn.

a reply to: AboveBoard

I appreciate your kind words. I know my words are often raw and perhaps lacking structure but they are what I got. I endeavor to always be real. My hope is that as I continue to write I will get better at communicating.

Peace to you my friend

a reply to: grayeagle

My words in poetry often lack structure, so that isn't a problem for me! lol! You are very real, and I appreciate that about you.

- AB


ps - please check your U2Us (the white envelope icon thingy?)

a reply to: grayeagle

That's very deep and full of emotion...

Tears ran down my cheeks reading this one.

Peace and love
-nat