Elation Was Mine, The Promised Life Poem by Mark Heathcote

Walking across a lakes frozen expanse
I reached a point of no return
The cracking ice was about to collapse
Decision made; I could not squirm.

I had to hold my nerve and move on
Not one backward step could I take
Although I knew without any alarm
Thinner ice laid ahead of this lake.

For its bank was densely forested
Hence the frost wasn't as hard
Or nearly as deep the contortionist
In me couldn't weep, I felt - calmed.

I learned to cherish every single step.
Elation was mine, the promised life
Was something akin to a bayonet
Stabbing through my heart, like a knife.

Yet-with each promoted step, I didn't break
This sheet of ice; my faith cheered
Even my face that was white then opaque
Returned a colour normal, indistinct.

What an ecstasy it was to walk
Take those first steps back on dry land
Knowing I wasn't going to the morgue
Not today leastwise fate in hand.