Stepping Out on Ice

Quietly stepping out on ice

Whispering pleas for a safe crossing

Feet slipping, arms extended, palms ready

For a swift and sudden fall,

Taking deep but shaky breaths

In a Herculean attempt to stay balanced.

Isn’t life an unexpected skating adventure

On a patch of thin, splintering ice?

Prepared for a plunge into freezing water

Stunned when you make it to the other side?