I used to teeter on the
Edge of anticipation,
The ascent to new heights
Before returning to the earth.  

Now I totter on the
Edge of mortality.
Mostly heavy, grounded.
Unsure of the wisdom to ascend.  

Life flows between
Two extremes.
Like breathing out,
And breathing in.  

The balance of the
Teeter-totter
Required a partner.  

It was an easier balance
If you were similar
In weight (gravitas).  

But balance was possible,
Even when weight was unequal,
If parties would shift
Their position.
A new balance
Could be found.  

I loved coming down hard,
With a bounce.
Making the other
Fly off their seat.
Forcing them into weightlessness
For just a moment.
No support.
Just air.  

I also loved
Being the recipient
Of the bounce.
The elation
Of freedom.
For just a moment,
No support.
Just air.  

The flow between
Solid ground,
Pushing with strong legs.
To flying.
Hanging on to the handle
For control.  

The understanding
That both conditions
Were necessary
Vital
Enjoyable.  

Then coming
To neutral.
All four legs
On the ground.
Mutual respect
For the need
To hold the board steady
So each person
Could dismount
Without harm.
Then joyfully running
To the merry-go-round,
To spin
Until all were dizzy.