She stands with her back to the cliff edge

camera poised arm’s length

capturing the indigo sky and craggy canyon below.

 

She moves her head into the frame,

poses just right

eyes wide to disguise an intruding brow,

daring smile to impress friends.

 

Tilting the camera to capture more

she inches back

and back yet farther.

 

A pebble shifts beneath her foot

and she slips…

plunging into the abyss.