Hero (a poem)

Hero

written March 16th, 2011

I'm dangling from a ledge

Thirty stores high

Hanging on with one hand

People down below looking to the sky

I hear sirens in the distance

But they won't get here before I fall and land

Tears stream down my face

As my fingers slip

How did I get here

So close to tumbling into space?

No one can help me

Is there anybody out there?

I need a hero today

But there's not a cloud

Up in the heavens

No hero on his way here

With super strength and a cape

Just me, this ledge, and my fear

No help, no escape

I grit my teeth

Pull my free arm up

Grab on with my other hand

Just before the first one fails

Just before I come crashing down to land

Everyone gasps

Pointing up to me

I realize I am all alone

Among people who only pretend

That they care

I have to make it on my own

I have to take a stand

It won't be easy

Slowly, painfully

I pull myself up

Muscles screaming

Breathing heavy

I fall back through the window

To safety

I will not fail today

I'm not ready to go down

Not this way

Everyone cheers

I have no more fears

I am my own hero

I saved myself

When all hope seemed lost

You're dangling from a ledge

Thirty stories high

Hanging on with one hand

People down below looking to the sky

You hear sirens in the distance

But they won't get here before you fall and land

Tears stream down your face

As your fingers slip

How did you get here

So close to tumbling into space?

No one can help you

Is there anybody out there?

You need a hero today

Don't wait forever

Clinging to that ledge

Super heroes are just for movies

Do yourself a favor

Be your own hero

You have the heart

The soul

The power

Use it

Prove it.

----
I am who I am because I learned how to help myself. I realized waiting for someone to save me wasn't going to happen. To truly get better, you have to accept help from others and from yourself.
Be brave. Be courageous. Be outgoing.
Be a hero. For yourself, and others.