I first learned of the railroad track
That crossed a country ravine,
Way back in the woods
When I was seventeen.
A few of us boys went
Out there,
where the train never goes anymore,
We repelled from the only thing high enough
In the county.
The most invigorating thing
I’d ever done up ‘til then.
For years later
I, and the special people in my life
Would walk mindfully
Over that ravine
Taking an extra moment
Of thought and courage
To step purposefully over a couple
Spaces where the ties had rotted
and fell for at least a full breath’s
Amount of time, before
Hitting the water and land below.
Bravery resides in everyone.