Weighing it Out

I’ve stood on this ridge before.
I have viewed the broad expanse
And have weighed the risk
Against the possibilities.

I know that he who never risks
Can never attain.
But I also know that he who always risks
Will eventually be prey.

So I stand here again
Balancing one against the other.
My inclination
Is to ease into the tree line.

My gut warns my silence
Leave no footprints
And know that opportunity
Is sometimes only bait.