Erin

The pedestal demands perfection
but the surface is slippery,
and it encourages sprained ankles.

To stay put, to stay perched
is to maintain a delicate balance
between anxiety and boredom
but it's safe

until you move a little
to the right, and then you
push against the wall
that holds you in your place,
immovable. Distant.

You lose your footing, you lose your place;
it might be miserable,
but it is yours.

It was mine.
and I'm exhausted.
I am worn out
and bruised
but already I can see
the benefits of feet on solid ground,
however unsteady:

There are no illusions here.