Heaven And Hell

I just ate the most delicious strawberry, dipped in chocolate so rich it was to die for.

My sister received a box of them from her son in New Orleans. Then she had to run to her other child who always lives on the edge of extinction, or so she would have us believe.

I've noticed, though, that those who live on the brink always manage to avoid that last little step that keeps them from tipping over and disappearing. We have been waiting for this one to take that final plunge for years now. The only thing left of her that is childish is her life style and everyone seems to extend a hand just long enough to keep her stranded in the same old destructive actions.

Someday, if the gods smile on her, she will be given enough grace to fall and that plunge will most likely be her only chance at salvation. Until then she dances on the edge holding the hands of her children, dangling them over a fire she doesn't even see.

People stand on both sides of her, ready to grab those children when she finally goes and people stand below her, ready with a safety net that will cart her off and offer her a chance at a life full of self respect and hope.

But for now we eat strawberries dipped in chocolate in between the gasps of terror.