Roped Poem by Donna Dolorical

I saw him from the distance
I saw a foe.
I kept my distance.

I thought him condescending
I condemned him in silence.
I kept my distance.

He saw me distant,
he thought me indifferent.
He kept his distance
and then observed.

He perceived me unfriendly
then reproached me candidly.
And kept his distance.

But distance forsook us.
Distance was bridged.
Silence was breached,
Outlooks were changed.

I look closer
I see a foe no more.
I see a friend.

I look even closer
I feel a connection.
I find myself.

I find myself
but I am scared.
I thought I had been alone.

In solitude I'd been inured
then distance had me disowned.
Now I'd dared to cross the tightrope bridge
to myself from the unknown.

The rope has me grappling
I went by hand, not foot.
I'm falling.

From where I hang I look up
he went by foot, not hand.
He escapes the fall.

I contemplate the choices
I, against my own self.
I gaze at him, sure-footed
and I-

I let go.