Thin Ice

Some days I can hear the ice crack
As I live,
And it feels like every step is a risk
Because any one could
Break the floor beneath my feet.

I tread with care most days,
Softly and gently,
Quietly, so I don't break and fall
And lose myself and
Plunge into I know not what.

But some days I throw all cares to the wind,
Stomp and jump and run and fall
Because maybe what I need
Maybe what I really need
Is for everything to break and be destroyed and
Lie in ruins about me;
Maybe I am a phoenix and need to
Burn and consume myself entirely
Before I can be reborn and rise from the ashes.

Or maybe I'm just a foolish child
Skating on thin ice.