Clammy palms grasp an old, fraying rope,
Arms shaking with excruciating exhaustion.
I can't see how far down the ground slopes
I hope no one will witness this misfortune.
How long can I stay suspended in the air?
All I want to do is let go, to plummet,
I close my eyes and make a solemn prayer.
I hope I don’t feel when I hit the pavement.
You want me to tighten my grip – I want that too -
But the years haven’t strengthened my will,
I want to go back to that world I knew
And live there till my heart grows still.
Time passes, my body numbs to the ache,
Swaying back and forth in the breeze.
My eyes may close but I remain awake,
Hands growing slacker by degrees.
My time is coming, I know, I’m aware -
I won't for much longer ‘hang in there.’
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