David Allan Cates Verse-Virtual 2017 February

February 2017

I live in Missoula, Montana, and for 18 years have worked as executive director of Missoula Medical Aid, leading groups of medical professionals to provide public health and surgery services in Honduras. I've published five novels and a chapbook of poetry, and am a part-time teacher at the Rainier Writing Workshop, a low-residency MFA program at Pacific Lutheran University. Yesterday I played hockey at noon and cribbage in the evening. I'd go flat out mad if it weren't for games. My webpage is davidallancates.com.

On a cliff with you

If we were both
hanging from a cliff
by one hand
you’d tell me how scary
it is to be hanging
from a cliff
by one hand
and we’d talk about
how it makes you feel
and how your hand
hurts
and how the sun
is setting.

I’d be wondering
how long
I could endure
and we’d talk
about how long you thought
you could endure
and then
you’d tell me everything
you learned
about enduring
as long as you had.

I’d listen and watch
night fall
and a light go on
as you suddenly noticed
me hanging
and praised my heroic endurance
and said how ashamed
you felt
to have talked
so long
when I was suffering too.

I’d say that’s okay
and you’d say it isn’t
and I’d say okay
it wasn’t
and you’d laugh
and we’d both be silent
hanging
in the dark.

Then
just when I’d think
my hand could not hold on
another moment
you’d find a ledge
yes, you
to put your feet on
and I don’t know how
but you’d help me find it too.

We’d let ourselves down
together
and sit safely
on the ledge
under the stars
dangling our legs.

Editor's Note: If this poem(s) moves you please consider writing to the author (email address above) to tell him or her. You might say what it is about the poem that moves you. Writing to the author is the beginning of community at Verse Virtual. It is very important. -FF