by Raven Madd

Created on: April 23, 2008   Last Updated: January 11, 2009

Don't ask me how it all began

doubting my climbing and that I really can

They stood there with a test of might

little did they know I'd be such a sight

'I dare you' is what I skeptically heard

they will think me weak like a nerd

I climbed up the tree to prove I had heart

unaware of the fiasco I would start

It was a tree I had scaled often before

This time little did I know whats in store

climbing with out hesitation or to stall

I lost my footing and started to fall

I blacked out right then and there

I wasn't then worried about that dare

head first I fell like a diver in a pool

suddenly realizing I'm not so cool.

vision blackened before I hit the ground.

all I remember is a numb crashing sound

I awoke to find that thud was me

and my friends crying out she's started to bleed

and for a third time on that day

the world went black and faded away

my friends who had earned their fright

would be haunted by that for more then that night

shaking my head slowly, fuzzy vision coming to

catching the camaraderie of my neighborhood crew

my sister kneeling by my broken side

wondering if this is an accident she can hide

mom was absent from the house that day

be good and watch out for each other at play

now we're in trouble robin anxiously said

frantic worried if I'm dang near dead

finally getting me up on my feet

sending my friends on down the street

I stumbled in to investigate my face

only to see the last of the dares trace

disguised as grass jammed in my nose

clues of my fall were being slowly exposed

lifting my arm not knowing the damage

picking out the earth of my nasel crammage

laying on the couch while my sister kept me awake

she knew better then to let me fade at any stake

a wet clothe soaking the red leak from my lip

I panicked in that tree and it made me slip

laying there for what seemed all afternoon

hoping mom's would return be very soon

she hurried in to see what was wrong

lets get to the E.R. was a familiar song

my brothers had her there at least once a year

so she was a pro at this and showing no fear

we sat there watching people come and go

now it was my turn to finally know

what damage I had done to my self

for tough girl status putting safety on a shelf

they made me hold my arms out for x-ray

broken slightly from my pride I displayed

now with a concussion and my little arms in casts

telling those who inquire 'please just dont ask'

I had all my friends sign my arms

now I respect trees and their possible harms

I climb still today with focus and grace

careful now not to fall on my face

broken arms earned a dare badge worn true

we need to consider the dares we construe
take heed to my courage pride or strength
nothing is worth proving at that length

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