Raw Earth Ink
spit, mixed with dirt – muddy words flow
That Fine Line
Your feet nearly touch the thin line, waiting, then pushing a toe tentatively nearer; you sigh wistfully, pull back gently. What delight may be held, should you ultimately cross over? Would it be to your peril or your salvation? There are risks and there are rewards to that line. You know you can’t straddle it. It will destroy you. You must choose, right?
You glance down one end of the line. It is boundless. You turn and gaze far out the other direction; it is without end. You never can tell if it is a circle you stand inside or out of. It’s not that the grass is always greener, but rather different. You want both. We all do. You want the best. Is that wrong?
You lower to your knees. The line just beyond your bent limbs. Your fingers tip-toe silently closer. Your index finger stretches out. Pauses. You want to just touch it. It’s right there. No one would see, right? Just a touch. A thousand voices whisper and shout in your mind. It’s not worth it. It never works out. What harm can it do? You deserve this. If it feels right, do it. You do you. There is wickedness in flesh. What they don’t know can’t hurt them….
Your finger pulses with energy. The line beckons. You inch closer still. You are filled with questions and wonder and desire and just the thought of crossing this line fills you with excitement and covers you in warmth. You are flooded with emotion and possibility. You are so close now. Your fingernail is at the cusp. You breathe in and…
tara caribou | ©2019
….tell me, how did it end for you? Did you cross the line, or stay where you were? Was it worth it?
24 Comments on “That Fine Line”
Raw Earth Ink 
Depends on the circumstances. Some lines should never be crossed. Other lines may take courage.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes! That’s exactly it, Len!
LikeLike
A superb analysis of the human condition: to take that step or not? And who knows what lies beyond? And how are we conditioned to settle?
Excellent, Tara.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yes! These are part of the great unknown, part of our grand walk through life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Falling to my human knees, my pleas are cried in the broken voice of my truth. Tears fall unceasingly: I’m weak and this I know most. Of course I crossed the line, how could I not, being so enticed with lines of daring. It was most unfair that it was even there. It was with full reluctant guessing I assure you. And yes. It was worth it- during those few euphoric moments just before waves of guilt washed over me. So- adjudicate me, and do to me as you must… 🙂
Sorry I got a bit inspired to answer, poetically.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Don’t ever apologize for making art, Poet… I happened to love your response. It got me thinking, actually.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good, thinking is a good goal so long as one doesn’t overdo it. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always irresistible; the line and your poetry as well
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jude. Indeed it can be.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Temptations are a lot like mirage.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed!
LikeLike
Wonderfully written with a beautiful image
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, DA 😌
LikeLike
Very powerful verses, Tara! Beautifully penned 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Tom 😌
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, yes, we’ve all been there at least once. Beautifully evoked!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, and yes, I think we’ve all experienced it multiple times.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on cabbagesandkings524 and commented:
Tara Caribou – decision
LikeLiked by 1 person
That thin line, tempts us, calls out to us like those sirens to the sailors, and, we get caught, between knowing the risks, that we should not be taking, but the thrills of, breakimg the rules, crossing that, boundary is simply, too, hard to, resist…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always wanting more!
LikeLike
Crossed many, some regrets some absolutely none! Well written, pondering prose.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m right there with you, Jay.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful inquiry. I like that is so open ended so it could be interpreted different ways. Beautifully written.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s exactly what I was hoping for, Ali. To stimulate some thought and maybe conversation. 😌 Thanks for reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person