Breaking point

I
The treetop walk
it’s my favourite part of the rainforest exploration!
Eager to take in the
spectacular
colourful
complicated
lively
dense view
of the forest below
I leap and bound my way
to the treetop walk…..

I hear the clicks
of a harness.

For your safety, please hold on.


“How to enjoy the treetop walk” 
A manual was thrust into my hands.
Do not run or jump on the bridge.
Do not intrude into the forest residence.

That's enough rules to remember.
I toss the manual out.

The harness
tightens.

II
A big crowd ahead.
My view
blocked.

Can I hop onto the railing
and walk along it to the end?
That's not considered running, is it?
I placed one foot on the railing…..

My body tugs
against the harness.

You are not a tightrope walker.
What if you lose your balance
and fall into the abyss?

I plant my feet back on the ground
Convinced.
I promised to walk.

The harness
loosens.

III
A hornbill
resting on the branches
diagonally
across.

Can I fly to the hornbill
and make a new friend?
I'm not intruding, am I?
I flapped my imaginary wings…..

Nothing happens.
I do not fly
into the sky.
I do not fall
onto the ground.

I hear the metal clink
of the harness
as it falls off
from my body.

The struggle
wore it out.

V
Frantically
I search for you.

No one
ahead.
No one
behind.

Only the bridge
behind me
where we walked
together.

The bridge
ahead of me
which you paved
blood, sweat and tears.

Do I have sense enough
to follow
the bridge?