Our lives
entwine
enmesh
along a tightrope

A terrifying balance
between thrill
and death
above the fray

We hold
a useless prop
before thousands
of amazed eyes

We know half
more than half
long to see
the fall

There are no clowns
to save the show
no circus
to accompany our defiance

Only the strength
of our bodies
the catch of our breath
and the belief
that we can fly

Caroline A. Slee
2017