Promising God Poem by Richard Wlodarski

So damn scared
On that ledge
Jagged rocks
Flared nostrils
Heart pumping
Like damn hell
Mind stopping
Praying to God
Knees shaking
Vibrating
Body dead
Mind frozen
God I'm scared
Can't damn move
Precipice
Road to hell
Can't die now
Way too young
I speak now
With One God
Make promise
Spread His Word
If He spares
My life now
Like before
Word of God
On my lips
In your heart


In 1978, I was trapped on a cliff in San Diego. Complete strangers felt helpless re: my dilemma. They wanted to call the fire department. I asked them to hold on for a few minutes. I knew that if I made just one slight error, I would fall to my death. I prayed harder than ever in my life. I promised God that I would spread His Word if He kept me alive. He sent The Holy Spirit to guide me to safety. I've never broken my promise. My most efficient and effective way to spread His Word is through my spiritual poetry.