Dangling Poem by Ivan Donn Carswell

dangling at the end of a rope
hanging from a helicopter
hovering a vast
distance from the ground
is the appropriate analogy

confidence is a firm grip –
belief that things will
be okay your safety net
but reality says you’ve
reached a new stalemate

though nothing explains how
this came to be the face
of your predicament
you are not being saved and
you’re not going anywhere

actuality is a length of rope
and the whirling blades
holding you in place
your choice remains
to hold on or let go
© 9 October 2009, I. D. Carswell