Fearless Falling

I am sitting.

My legs swing beneath me.

Twigs from the branch press into me.

I lean forward, nearly falling—

Trying to peer ahead.

I lean back,

I lift my leg over the branch,

As I attempt to reach futher than before.

I slip forward —

Barely —

I catch myself.

I perch once again upon the branch.

I am so close,

But if I do not make it —

I will fall.

I will fall like all of the others do.

I cannot live their fate,

But I must expand past this lonely, lifeless branch.

Some still reaching,

Some falling soon,

And some waiting until death do us part. . .

Each day I try to reach ahead —

I get cut, scraped, and scratched. . .

Perhaps if I close my eyes—

I could imagine the other side. . .

Everyone will smile—

We will all laugh—

We will all enjoy each other’s company. . .

But eventually, I will fall like the others. . .

Though I know my fate —

I will never stop trying.

I will never give up hope and allow fear to overcome.

Though we all may fall —

I will not fall limp.

I will fall trying to reach a better life —

Even if I fail to reach other side —

I will fall with a smile on my face and pride in my heart.