The Downward Climb.
A poem about backing out of something you're too afraid to do.
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The Downward Climb.
Firmly adjust, grip on tight,
The wooden pole, a one way
Structure for the climb, and
Reach the top, ready for fall.
One by one, the line shrinks.
Each student brave, each hand
Ready for thrill and laughter;
All brave but for the last.
Now inside, anxiety higher,
A slow climb, I breathe,
All the way to the top, no
Room for exit, lest I falter.
And here, it stares at me…
The ground, with its outstretched
Hands ready to greet my own,
A hug I do not want to endure.
Falling I decide, is not for me.
In shame, a downward climb,
Retreating amid the crowd,
Hoping no one says anything.
Though everyone is watching
And everyone is kind, clapping
To reassure my cowardice is not
As it feels in that moment.
But all which comes to mind
Is how much I need to hide.
Hazel Allen, 2026.