Tightrope Walker

I grasp the cold
bars in my hands,
and tightly close
my eyes...  _{my mind...  my heart.}

I step up the rungs,
one at a time,
as fast as my feet can
take me...  _{let me...  make me.}

I reach the absolute
top of the world,
and I feel my heart
beating...  _{racing...  stopping.}

I spread my arms wide
as far as I can,
and pretend I'm
flying...  _{soaring... escaping.}

I take a small
step forward.
and feel the rope
sag...  _{stretch...  snap.}

I keep steady
while I walk,
and feel myself
twitch...  _{sway...  shake.}

I hold my breath
and shut my eyes
as I imagine myself
slipping...  _{falling...  dying.}

I catch myself before
I lose all control,
and I try to keep
walking...  _{breathing...  living.}

I reach the other side
as I fall to my knees
and I look back to see
my accomplishment...  _{my success...  my past.}

I feel the blood
flowing back to my face
and I know I am
smiling...  _{grinning...  laughing.}