Danger Sign

the water is high and swift
in the roaring creek this time of year.
in the past this has been a place of retreat;
an escape from the realities of life,
but on this day i find it impossible
to obtain any of the previous comfort
i may have once felt.
i watch as the rushing water surges into the dam,
and i stare into the deep, dark water.
only a low chain-link fence
separates me from a sure death.
i look at the small danger sign
attached to the inadequate barrier,
thinking it seems a pathetic attempt
to give warning of the waters threat.
thoughts of ending this unbearable pain
frequent my mind more often than i wish,
and i yearn for a moment of peace.
the roar of the water speaks loudly,
but on this day, it's voice is not enough
to prompt the call of death.
i do not know what the tomorrows may bring.
one day the voice will call again
and the shout may be too loud to ignore.
on that day, the inadequate barrier
will not impede me,
and the small danger sign will go unnoticed.

dina marie
2006