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