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I have never been one
for taking the right sorts of chances
too wrapped up in what the world thinks
what the neighbors would say
I forever seem to be
making wrong turns down one-way streets
stepping back when everyone else
leans out over the edge to see
you’d think, wouldn’t you,
that my fears would keep me safe
an acceptable distance between my heart
and the inevitable hurt
but the world has a way
of beating down the cowards
just as much as it does the brave
in mindless predatory equality
so just this once
I’ll make the choice to stand with the brave
hand the world my parachute
and step over the edge

© Sarah Whiteley