a chill creeps up my spine
fingering each vertebrae
as an involuntary shudder washes over me
eyes fixed on yellow, a strip of color
bright and cheerful in any other place
but not here
some lines are meant to be crossed
but not this one
with a voice that screams "stay away from the edge"
my stomach lurches forward
gripped with unsteadiness
a vertigo sensibility, and I wonder . . . . . how many see that line before they cross it
Linking up with Poetry Jam.
I am sure that there are a lot of people who don't see the line before they cross it...and for some, before they see it, it is too late.
ReplyDeleteTrue, only see it when its too late.
DeleteWhile crossing that line might at times be tempting, it is most fortunate you did not cross it and backed away at the last moment!
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DeleteI have been there (as I suspect most mortals have) - ANXIETY. Though, I have come to beat it back (and to stay away from the edge) with poetry. A beautiful, evocative piece, Kathryn.
ReplyDeleteAnxiety can be so debilitating. Glad you have found an outlet through poetry.
DeleteThat's the one safety feature that I don't really see as a safety feature! The stations seem so dangerous to me.
ReplyDeleteI know right?
DeleteI am afraid to cross that line at train tracks ~ Good question in the end & stunning picture as always ~
ReplyDeleteyikes....makes a great metaphor for life as well...how many really see it before they cross it...when we lived in baltimore i used to take my boys on the subway and always held them close as far from the line as i could
ReplyDeletechilling....
ReplyDeleteI think that sadly too many people do not see the line until after they've already crossed it...
ReplyDeletethere are times when I walk the line, go the very edge, just to feel the thrill of being alive, to remind myself there is danger and chaos swirling all around us...I have been fortunate enough to survive crossing that line on occasion...older and wiser now but also a little boring.
ReplyDeletethe edge can be exhilarating, glad to know you survived crossing it.
Deleteyes...how many do not see what they're stumbling into until it is too late... good to have that sensitivity..
ReplyDeletethere are all ways lines in our lives, waiting to be crossed, we just need to be brave. Great poem and words that make me consider my actions and thoughts.
ReplyDeletecrossing some lines can create growth and inspiration . . . the trick is knowing which ones are good.
DeleteFear of the visible line, as well as fear of the intellectual line--both just as real with the latter sometimes a little harder to discern.
ReplyDeleteyes it can be hard to figure out which to cross.
DeleteAs one who doesn't like to cross lines, I understand the anxiety of seeing that yellow line and understanding the danger that lurks beyond.
ReplyDelete. . . yet you capture them so beautifully.
DeleteSo ominous sounding! Crossing the line can be scary indeed! BTW I really like the photo of the ice at the top of your blog.
ReplyDeleteThis particular line - yes, scary...but crossing the line of your boundaries - good to try, feels like new spaceous world :)
ReplyDeleteAh, that warning line ... some dare to cross it with much planning and others lurch toward it with no thought at. Others, rush it knowing their timing has to be perfect ... and we more cautious ones have our hearts in our throats as they approach or reach to hold them back! The atmosphere you've created in this piece is terrific ...
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