Too Far Down, by Taylor Graham

Too Far Down

I tried to help. But
how could I have saved him
from jumping? This modern world
so full of rooftops above hard pavement
and bridges over tiding turbid water.
He was only one – so many
others! – even the would-be savior burns
himself out. He was only one – all
of them still with me, lying dead beneath
the surface. The burden is too heavy.
I sit helpless on the concrete
sidewalk of my life.

Taylor Graham