Nerves

A tightrope pierces steadily

January air, brilliant in temperature

Muted timbre proves its steadfast pull

Between the Empire State Building and the Eiffel Tower

Its walker clad in yellow silk

Wears choice and balanced soles

That have conquered the meek string

Repeatedly through a lifelike chill in the January of his mind

Plucked by nervous fingers

That shake under blushed concentration

Testing the fragile line’s durability

Its threatening note reverberates to the crust of the earth

He counts modestly, envisions practically

Each careful step concise

And ringing in ears of crowding and curious spectators

Is the calculated beat of hearts time

Before the rope an intimate greeting occurs

As bravery shows his valiant face

They gaze fiercely into each other’s eyes

Sharing a steadfast embrace that muffles the shouting crowd

On the shoulders of bravery balances peace with graceful precision

Placing her hands upon the walkers sweating hair

And steadying the shake that betrays his left hand

Harmonizing his steps in the metronome of heart’s beat

An abrupt faltering invades with a quick downward gaze

Unbelief throws his arms in a quick flail

Shimmering terror bejewels each eye

Extending the rope into impossible eternity

A sudden yelp escapes his clenched jaw

As the iron grip of confidence

Comes from behind to settle upon his swerving waist

Gaining control of his wavering stance

The butterfly of joy travels up his stomach

To grace his disheveled mug

Shrinking the cable to a measly march

The distance shortens, fluttering his heart’s drum

And talent brings his timely return to assured soil

Into the arms of accomplishment he is delivered