Calloused soles against the asphalt shingles
Pressed back against the window panes
Unhinged at a deadly height
Staring at the brick patio
Contemplating the fall, unwilling
To leap wishing
For courage
Uninhibited.

Fractured
For convalescence
To recover waiting
Continuing the agony, unyielding
Staring at the linoleum floor
Damaged attempting a fleeting escape
Relieved for external wounds as distractions
Numbed for the wrenching, unbearable pain.

This will not end in broken ribs and patterned bruises.
This will not end in inked gauze and well wishes.

Hardened heels retreat from the ledge
Opened chest against the **** carpet
Unhinged on a deadly night
Staring at a closed door
Listening to voices, hushed
To fall silent
For ears
Unprepared.

This will end in confused hands and a screaming heart.
This will end in collapsing knees and a wretched spirit.

Terrified
For inevitable
To arrive fearing
Knocking the bell, ringing
Staring at a glass demise
Shattering tears piercing reddened cheeks
Recognizing voices while fleeing up seventeen
Creaking planks towards a deafening hell.