for the crippled

this life
has brought upon me
a gradual fear of heights
which began as a child
riding escalators

now matriculated
to include
airplanes
bridges
scenic overlooks
ledges of all sorts
marriage
and the eiffel tower

my death grip on handrails
for fear of
what is beyond the bannister

condemned to claustrophobic
elevators for the crippled
(and i am)
in shopping malls and airports
waiting for my feet to arrive on leveled floors

there is no questioning it
as my people are known
for survival instincts
and subsequent cirrhosis

i wear this neurosis
a feather boa

because
here’s what i’ve learned

everything falls baby

everything

falls