The Diving Board
The diving board wobbles
My toes are over the edge
I’m lightheaded from
looking
down
at
The
Dots
Of
Color
Below
In the sea of calm blue
That I ache to leap to
Will I be there soon?
I’ve been up here for so long
Paralyzed in fear
A decision not near
And not enjoying the view
I want so badly to leap
But I can’t
How do I leap
When I don’t know
Where I’m leaping to?
The line is behind me is piling up
Wet swimsuits
D
R
I
P
P
I
N
G
I M P A T I E N C E
into puddles on the hot concrete
Hurry up!
They say
They’re right
I need to jump
To move forward
There’s only one way
Why am I so afraid to fall?
Why is the unknown
More scary
Than doing nothing
At all?
My legs are w o b b l i n g and tired
If I stay any longer
It won’t fly
And at worst
I’m going to slip and die
It’s embarrassing
To be stuck on this wobbly board
I’m making a scene
I hate when people stare but
This stunted position
Is the loudest scream
And all the sudden
I can’t take it anymore
It’s time to look forward
Let go and
Embrace this open blue door
Yeah, that’s enough
It’s time to go
I can’t believe it’s here
Oh shoot
Here we go
So I hold my breath
Take a step
Spring forward and ---
Jump
I don’t know where I am
But it’s a relief
And I’m happier than before
Because while all I see
is bubbly white waters
At least I’m not
Up there stuck
On the diving board
Anymore