On the Brink

 

On the brink of a new month

Another almost fade,

When compared to last year

Have you a better grade?

 

Should I answer honestly,

I really could not say so

But perhaps you have done better

Only you would know.

 

It’s not I haven’t striven

But most years go the same,

The downs will sometimes rule

And often the ups will reign.

 

It’s a roller coaster month

That happens every time

For me, it permeates the year-

Roller coaster is my kind.

 

 

It’s the pattern of life

Seemingly, on the brink,

Something is always promising

And that’s how I think.

 

A feeling to give up

And a drive to never quit,

One can’t be going all the time

Sometimes we have to sit.

 

Consistent reflection

And constantly projecting,

Strengthening that which remains

And needs protecting.

 

On the brink, I dare say,

Need not be precarious,

It could be something spectacular

Or something very precious.

 

July is almost ended

With all its highs and lows,

Its roller coaster breath-taking journey

Is almost at a close. 

 

It will be remembered

And this, for a long time,

An event that was low and yet high

Was the first of its kind.

 

 

On the brink of disaster

Just before it arrived

But over the precipice many went

And a few no longer alive.

 

Hurricane Beryl came

And took so much away,

Her voracious appetite drove her

And she had her say.

 

She has gone away

But her damage is left

Along with her many lessons

If we are not deaf.

 

On the brink again

With vital lessons learned

Hopefully to be put into practice

In the next sojourn.

 

This sojourn is August

Of which we’re on the brink,

Let not July lessons go to waste-

Swim lest you sink!

 

Stewart Russell © July 31, 2024