A fear of falling
Something I understand
and consider more often
the older I become

The same fear that
sneaks in as I push my
granddaughter on the swings
“Higher, Gigi, Higher!”

But falling is also
something to be
chased after
To experience

Falling in love
That one I understand
Fear may try to creep in
but it doesn’t win out

I wish I could think
of falling more in
terms of a waterfall
A sense of letting go

A freefall releasing
the weight of fear that
sometimes freezes,
only to thaw in an instant

Releasing my true self
as you watch, cheering
me on-reaching out
your hand when I do fall

Helping me back up or
lying down next to me
on the ground, until
I’m ready to try again