Heightening Fear

A poem I wrote a WHILE ago about one of my greatest fears. [The ending, while I believed it to be true at the time I wrote this, proved to be a lie to myself...the fear still exists.]

 Heightening Fear 

 

My racing pulse is pulled through my veins.

I could see the path draw nearer.

The white river’s spray fell like rain.

The fear on my face couldn’t be clearer.

 

I looked with dread at the steps climbing upward,

My family eagerly waited to see the waterfall.

They urged me pleadingly to move forward,

And with a sigh I went for the benefit of them all.

Walking stick firmly in hand I started to climb

The rail-less, wet, chiseled stone steps.

The tremendous height, my family didn’t mind

While I thought in terror the consequences if one slips.

To my left was a hundred foot drop,

Ending in the roaring rapids.

My fear of heights made my heart stop.

I was about to faint, but Lord forbid!

Step by vertical step I continued on,

My quaking legs ached for rest.

We had been hiking since dawn,

My lungs heaved against my chest.

 

I concentrated on every slippery step,

Placing each foot carefully.

My knuckles were white gripping my stick.

My eyes were lost to all the beauty.

Below I could hear the water’s death call,

The sun’s heat threatened to push me over,

But in my mind I built a defensive wall.

I wasn’t going to give up 'til this was over.

Soon the steps broke off into a platform

For viewing the magnificent waterfall.

My insides felt out of the norm

It was hard to take in it all.

I had survived the hike up the cliff

I had witnessed a stunning sight

I suddenly didn’t feel so stiff

I was exuberant I had overcome my fear of heights!

Author's Note

Just a few edits for poor grammar back in the day. :]

Reviews

[Georgia Gypsy]

Very well done, and the descriptions of the scene wonderful!