Life is not happenstance
There are always choices
Though they’re not always at odds
And sometimes neither’s ideal
Playing tricks on the mind
Indecision stands on the brink
Between staying or going
Taking the leap of faith
Or staying firmly planted
Fear keeps the teeter totter swing
Decisiveness says
Get off the ride
Jump at the opportunity
Or turn sharply away
No thoughts of could’ve been
The parapet draws
a line in the sand
Calling, almost daring
That first tightrope step
If only you open the door
If anyone had asked me my dream vacation, I’d have easily said it was a castle tour of Europe. So going to Scotland, and getting to climb over 30 castles in two weeks was an absolute dream, and the heights of some places was a nightmare. I remember standing inside of this barred door and looking out onto the parapet and feeling frozen in time. My mom was down on the ground, approximately 4 stories and signaling me to step outside, so she could get a good picture of me up there. There was absolutely no way I was leaving the safety of that tower and its spiral staircase. This poem stemmed from that experience and the moments I stood there looking out with indecision.
If you like this poem, and want more ekphrastic poems inspired by our travels, follow this blog. If you want to find out about my other writing endeavors and get sneak peeks of what’s coming next, subscribe to my newsletter on my website: