I do not fall

Because I know boys such as this

who reach their hand out to me and call

“Jump! I’ll catch you!”

And as I edge,

Closer to the ledge

Toes half in gravity, trepidatious, I reply

“You see I’ve fallen before-

I’ve crashed to the ground.

I’ve tasted the earth, the soil, and the gravel”

He proclaims that he’s a romantic

Sings siren songs of trust, arms wide

(But don’t I know this tune?)

The wind whips at my hair

“I don’t know how to lie!”

The next line croons

My own arms like new born wings

“Old bones don’t mend so quick!

Old wounds do not soon stitch....”

I try to explain

(No one has cleaned my blood off the pavement

From the last fall

It’s turned to rust in the sun)

“I have salves, and ointments and potions!

I will make you shiny and new!”

His eyes full of promise

Fingertips touching the sky

He is so sure.

But I’ve tasted snake oil before.

My legs move back as his step forward

“Dance with me!” He cries up

And I look down

to my toes, ankles and calf’s

Blistered, torn, worn and cracked

These feet are not light of step

These feet do not move to dance

But they can run.

And when they do I fly,

And then,

As I turn from the ledge

And his expectant eyes,

my feet grow wings.