Perched so high upon this metal grate
Through which I see the churning lake below
Only those welded seams of iron plate
Prevent my fall into the water’s flow
The deep, cold water banked against the wall
The roiling water pressing to get out
The dark, long chute through which escapees fall
The drop to hard cement in exit spout
The dam stands so unmovable and sure
Yet within covert weakness has been found
Not from the lake force straining at its door
But from its simple height above the ground
Or is it from the human’s native dare
Who must go stand on nothing in the air?
