November 25, 2016
HANDRAIL
For a while there,
the handrail enjoyed
the feel of children’s hands.
It could feel the excitement
of a kid’s heart and imagination
as they rushed down steps
to hard sidewalk and a wider world
or using that handrail to climb back
up the stairs into their house
for the feeling of safety and security.
And the handrail also enjoyed
the sense of security it gave to us
old folks - who hesitate at the top
of stairs knowing - one fall - just one fall -
could bring broken bones - and no stairs
for months - just more cooped up time -
but what was missing was - the hand grip
of teenagers bounding and bouncing
down the center of the steps - hands
free - with no fear of falling or the future.
© Andy Costello, Reflections
2016
