The Tightrope

Walking a rope is easy if

you don’t think of the turn

around

to get back

One foot in front of the other

straight ahead-

ballet slipper pads on a thick battery wire

A skill to be acquired,

for sure.

Keep eyes on the other side

and get there.

Don’t look down

or back

or dare to turn around

That’s when the slip

the pit

the clench

Happens with a wobble and a firestorm

Walk the rope in a glitter suit

You’ll earn applause

They’ll admire you.

But turn around?

That’s not a choice.

Baby, listen,

   there’s your voice