Niagara Falls Sunset Skyline Impressions

Standing on the Precipice (JHWatkins)

 

Standing on the precipice-

balanced at junctions,

space and time-

there are no excuses here

no explanations or rhymes.

 

Locked in lavish rhythm

far beyond the brink-

hid from help or rescue-

on jagged edge distinct.

 

Weighty voices-

tomorrows bearing-

form forces by the day...

Wound tight

in folds of failure-

by faltering historic foray.

 

Naked standing truth-

whirl winded and filleted-

open now -

body bleeding-

clean by choice-

ruthless rights parlayed.

 

Ring round the

restless righteous-

tormented tongues

twisted and advanced.

Weapons trained-

fitting filled-

hopelessness entranced.

 

New toys

for large little boys-

clicking clocks

in finest fashion.

Positioned perspective-

poisoned possessive power-

from places unimagined.

 

Whining women-

worn-out white wheezers-

talking days on end-

endless hours

of wasted words-

useless air-

precious spent.

 

Children torn

apart at seams-

families drugged

and drenched...

Callous toned

nightmares

running wild-

seeds scattered

in the wind.

 

Lost a generation dark,

aflame the fearless world-

tossed aside by

hellish schemes-

now rampant-

flags unfurled.

 

Gone-by green

and yearning years-

foundations

fairly laid-

Priceless pearls

in wisdom grown,

crown jewelry

on parade.

 

But new

the turning earth begins-

choice

once again delayed.

Come cold and calm

courageous men-

run boldly

to your fate.

 

And stand in earnest errand bare,

an era at the end-

Bind up yourselves

betrothed and braced-

to finish

without fear.

 

(James Watkins 2004)

Done