On The Edge Poem by Herman Hoyte

Poised at the edge the jumper stands
Gazing down at the rocks below
Arms stretched out, with open hands
A dramatic pose, a dramatic end

Hovering on the narrow overhang
As you, the spectator, watch
You yell reason, call her name
Efforts fail, it seems in vain

Yet still she leans
And she will not jump
Merely pretends
Frozen, as if stunned.

Why?

Does she want the crowd?
Does she enjoy the concern
Love the pleading sound
Rankled love from all around

When she senses your doubt
That you don't believe she will
She lurches and starts
To fake a fall and stop your heart

And alas, while playing with fire
The poor girl is burned
Having built around her, a personal pyre
A drama dare, sucked into a deep inner spiral

For as she feints a dart,
Even though without intent
She tricks her heart
Her footing slips

And she plummets