Coordinoration

In the middle of a
Trembling length of concrete steps,
There lies my voice and, on either side, your ears.

On the top of the
Plateaus of ash that hold me from oblivion,
I read mocking scribbles of white chalk that lead the way.

Quietly, kindly,
My voice walks unaware,
Smudging a new gray pattern onto the black steps.

Move along dear words,
One step, two steps, keep yourself clean
One word, two, two, one, two, one. Ah it's easy.

Your ears take them in,
And all is well on my little stretch of land
Over the abyss; the deep, dark venture to your heart.

But a stutter, then a shake.
A mistake in my words. A shake of your head.
Panic throws off both my footing and your thoughts.

My voice is lost
Within the dark web of your soul
And all I have are wishes and all I see is nothing.

Fear overcomes my own voice
And releases a wave of unintended words,
Ungraceful cries for both my survival and your sight.

Will my words reach your heart
Or fall only as echoes of lost opportunity
Into the deep pit over which I had once played happily?