You are emphatically reminded
To stay away from the edge.
Please do not hedge
By spread eagling your body
Out prone on the ground,
Just to look down to the sea.
The view of the sky is magnificent,
And if it's grey on the day that you come,
Then visit, and when you are done,
Come again, return trips are free.
+
You should be aware
That rock can be broken
That exposed to the ocean
Steady erosion will change them,
And set into motion a crumbling
Destabilization.
The ground can shift without warning.
+
For the their own health and safety,
Staff may not bear witness
To events at the precipice
Whether accidental or
Committedly wrought.
We would urge you to pause and to think.
The phone lines below are twenty four hour,
And though staff are forbidden to step out to meet you
We entreat and beseech you
Please always come back from the brink.
About the Creator
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Off the Book
It ended like every other stupid idea. Badly, and alone. I’m researching digital confession ethics, he said. A tech ethicist. He gestured at floating data I couldn’t see then pulled out a physical notebook. Actual paper, fountain pen. He held it up like he was showing me scripture.
By Nicky Frankly4 days ago in Fiction
Comments (9)
WELL DONE. GOOD LUCK
This poem made me notice how close danger and beauty can sit together, and how words themselves can be protective. I loved how your voice manages to be gentle while keeping the edge undeniably present.
Hi~H - I once wrote a piece "The Edge" with a bulldozer pushing what needs to be pushed over with vigor...kinda fits these days..! Amazing list of awards, Hannah! Jk.in.l.a.
This hit me so hard. So deep and important. Loved your take on this challenge!
I love how subtly you crafted the metaphor in this poem, even in the manner of the helpful staff that can provide comfort via distance rather than face to face. These days do feel like we are all forced to peer over the edge. Great entry to the challenge and good luck!
Reading this, I remembered the warning on the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. It was pretty dramatic as well. Great entry to the challenge, Hannah!
you know, I'm really tired of being on the edge. great entry as always
Your lines and the edge in the image caused a stir of fear in me...brilliant job!
Nice Poem 🩷🩷🩷