Precipice Poem by Glenda L. Shank

On a precipice I rest a moment,
a child's eyes wide with anticipation,
fear lies underneath; my changing roles
on the horizon, unbidden, yet real.

Steel cage carries me through white billowed clouds
dreams of a new life, father at my side;
shared existence forming strong foundations
with faint hopes of adventures hand in hand

Touch down heralds reality. Daughter's
role transformed from the pampered only child
to dad's caregiver, my unspoken fears
silently echo inside- imprisoned.

Eighty five, his spark bright shines, unwilling
to acquiesce to restrictions of an
aging body. Pride seals his lips, unvoiced
grief abounds, unshed tears in bloodshot eyes.

What dance shall we dance? A tango of love,
determination, awkward dips and turns,
life's rose clenched tightly between muted lips;
each day another dance begins anew.