the ledge

thousands, millions
all in a row
on a tightrope of rock
skirting the edge
of a canyons maw
a wall
and an abyss
a gaping mouth
without a close

countless climb up
and join those on the ledge
their arrivals celebrated
an achievement
no question
this ledge is the pinnacle
the peak
all there is
and ever will be

just as many fall
off, down, away
gone
some slip
others jump
insanity, cowardice, foolishness!
to abandon the others
and the sureness of the wall
for nothing

after an eternity on the ledge
they wont return
wont climb back up
those that are there
they carry on
never looking down
to that familiar darkness licking at their feet
they dont look down
until they fall