Landslide

I've been making the ascent up these steps, towards the skyline high above.

The flags are cracked and with haphazardly sticking out,

like jagged teeth, hungrily waiting for me to fall into their eager jaws.

On either side of the staircase is a sheer drop

where crumbs of rock fall to their demise with each step that I take.

And the path behind me which I have taken is all crumbling away

approaching me at a pace just as quick as my feet can take me;

I cannot go back, I can't even rest.

But it's my fear of the fall which keeps me moving,

keeps me rising to the top

like life is about constantly proving

that I'm not ready for the drop,

then again is it worth reaching the summit

to reach some unknown height just as unstable

that sets you up for the plummet

just as you're beginning to feel able?
I can't afford to keep thinking like this

with the road I've taken shattering away

so I carry on convincing myself there's nothing amiss

up into the uninspiring clouds of grey.

It's got to be worth the battle

if so many try to climb this hill

unless we're all brain-dead cattle

and we're being lead in to get killed.

Fears aside, I cannot hide

when I can only take what is in front of me

so I shake away the warnings inside,

break to a stride

as fast as I can be.

I finally reach the peak,

weak and dizzy from the height

but I see the skies at the top are blue;

and I see you.

As I attempt to collapse into your arms

and embrace the comfort I have found

you whisper in my ear
"I never meant to cause you harm",

and push me back down to the ground.

I should have listened to my fear.