The Ladder Poem by Jim Yerman

The ladder to the diving board
ascended to the sky.
I said, "I don't think I can climb this, Dad...
the ladder's much too high."

He said, "Oftentimes in life, son,
if you choose to face your fear...
you will find the ladders you're confronting
are not as tall as they appear."

Dad was always like that
Giving advice...at times profound...
Urging me to climb to the heavens
While he was safe upon the ground...

But I climbed that ladder and learned a lesson
I still hold in high esteem...
If I fill myself with doubt and fear...
there's no room for my dreams.