I have been rappelling
in strange places
and terrified
alongside my joy in the views
and I asked you for praise
but really I meant something more essential,
trusting you with my lifeline,
asking you to stand guard
with your strength
where I need it,
asking you to remind me
that you don’t have a knife,
and call encouragement
on my journey through this pit
or maybe cavern
or maybe bright mountainside.
I have no clue
and barely any right to ask
but am asking anyway
and want to believe
you have already agreed
and these tugs are yours
and not just imaginary.