But this one? Higher.
it stretches its unsteady self
up to the roof peak where
the spotlight has gone out
that used to show us
what the dogs scent and startle at—
snow, deer, wind, possible bear, possible bunny.
This ladder?
Aluminum and therefore, wobbly
Wobblier than the last one
Another surprise in this surprising love
I could never have predicted
one of the unexpected lessons
is an increased Awareness
of the structural integrity of ladder materials.
This time, no joke, is scary. You offer to climb.
I look at you. At the ladder. I climb.
This time, you don’t say anything to make me laugh
Instead, each backward step down
I feel your big hand on my calf
guiding my steps safely
back to earth, and to you
Puff Of Smoke Poems 