By Sara Kandler

The jagged edge comes into view
as I approach
leaning backward as my feet pace forward
through sparse grass
need to see
how steep
how rough
how treacherous this bluff
dark red like raw meat
its crags like teeth
My chest clenches
stomach churns
blood burns
A sandy path loops around this cliff
and most sanguinely choose that route
though they know deep down it goes nowhere
they don’t probe
rely on false hopes
utter resignation
Is it alright then
to tackle this trial
head on
and who am I