(a poem inspired by this news story)
You, in the second story window, look not to the concrete beneath you, look not to the fire behind you, look not to the impossibility around you. Jump, and I’ll break your fall. Your past is burning, and the next step will cause you pain, but you must choose, this moment, to live. Jump, and I’ll break your fall. Look to my eyes for courage. Look to my body for softening. Look to my arms for kindness. Jump, and I’ll break your fall. Commit to this moment and my body will commit with you. Commit to your future and I won’t let you start alone. Commit to this choice and I’ll absorb some of your pain. Jump, and I’ll break your fall.