would you call it hope? | Chinmayi Gummaraju

THE FOLLOWING POEM WAS SELECTED IN WINGWORD POETRY PRIZE 2023 LONGLIST.

standing on the edge of a balcony,

a thought climbing up

and another climbing down

half way through,

contemplating on the easier path.

courage could get the feet back on the ground

or might make it in disrepair as intended to;

shaking, kind to self yet impervious.

having chosen a different direction,

they walk with sheer will,

hoping someday that the heart wouldn't tremble.