Alert and raw, she is poised;
Then her tentative foot feels its way forward
To take another step.
With eyes wide and breath tight,
She is carrying catastrophe carefully,
Tinged with the hope that all will be well.
She dare not, dare not,
Shift from this utmost care.
Eye, ear, skin and intuition are
In full service. This must be carried through.
So, she moves along the brink,
Carrying catastrophe with breathless care.