On The Edge

• Siobhan O'Brien, Grade 10
• Poetry
• 2010

The sharp rocks underneath my cold, soft toes plunge to the depths below as I creep closer to the edge,
I feel the crisp winds dancing over my bare skin, I feel freedom.
As I stare ahead towards the horizon I raise my head and embrace nature in all its splendour.
The end seems just out of reach, but surely achievable?
The sun peeks slowly above the horizon, a fresh day, a new goal.
Below me, a surging sea is eager to swallow me,
Waves crash against the rugged cliff face.
Ahead of me all is crystal, my plan soon to take flight.
A whistle howls, time is up,
I am heaved back to reality, captured in lethal truth.
I snap on my goggles, tear at my cap.
My pale feet dissolve into the tiled block in an attempt to hold me back
‘On your marks’... I take position in anticipation,
A loud hooting erupts from the starters direction and immediately my legs spring into action,
I am a lion leaping hungrily into the water, I break the surface...
I feel freedom, I feel myself in the surging waves at the bottom of the cliff, and I am home.