Stepping to the Edge

I stepped out onto the ledge
in the darkness only to discover
another ledge and another darkness.

I did this for as long as I could remember.
So much so that the stepping to the edge became the journey
and I was no longer afraid to fall.

Fear, my advisor at times was never my master.

While I trod the paths
Of empathy and compassion
Beauty was ever my constant companion.

On my final ascent
Standing on the verge at the peak of these Mountains
And in the depths of my own personal dark valleys

Beauty was there ever by my side.

Towards the end, by chance
I caught a glimpse,
Quite unexpectedly,
Over my left shoulder
Of those I had lead, those I had followed
And those forever beside me unwavering.

One last gaze into the final darkness
With shoulders squared
My eyes wide recalled
I had lived so large
So loud
With such intention
And loved so fiercely
That Death cowered to take me.