Silence

What could have been

Leaden feet trod the uphill lane,

The lane that leads to the future.

Worldly possessions left behind,

Forgotten in the past, to close for comfort.

Eyes blankly staring dead ahead,

Mind clouded, confused, crazed,

Replaying events, what is, was, could have been.

Actions taken, wishing different futures.

Breath escaping in steam spewed spurts,

Pinnacle getting closer with every step,

Pace slowing, inevitably drawn to the top.

Sweat soaked up by suns scorching rays,

Evaporates slowly, from wet shirt,

Hugging heated body like a lovers embrace.

At the summit, clear sky spread before,

A clean future with no blemishes upon its canvas.

Upon the precipice, eyes drawn downwards,

View of blue frothy ocean, seething,

Crashing in tempestuous rage upon rocks.

Jagged, sharp arms reaching upwards,

Beckoning lovingly with promises of holding.

Above, seagull screech rings clear,

Heralding, focusing attention on reasons.

Single tear, lonely streak upon the cheek,

Treks down, leaves salty taste upon lips,

Future prediction on the cards.

Arms spread eagle like, ready to soar,

Eyes clenched shut, softly relax.

Steady breath in, breath out,

Graceful leap into the heavens,

Slow arc, then descent at racing speed.

Eagerly the rocks reach up,

Yearning for fleshy sustance,

Water rages, exposing more teeth,

Salivating at plummiting feast,

Seconds of eternity pass,

As closer to present doom fly.

Inches from final embrace,

Eyes flutter open to stare,

To stare at the maw of the beast.

One step back...

Arms enveloping,

One future slipped past,

Never to come again today.

Alacrity trip back down,

Tears flowing, between sobs and gasps,

To reach the safety of the shore.

If not for cowardice...