High Ropes

The biennial high ropes events.
Where grade seven and eight students
Don harnesses and plastic helmets
To show just how damn brave they are
As they learn more about themselves,
Their strengths, their limitations, and
Their trust in the man holding the safety line.

My son and I participated in this ritual.
Both of us years away from grade seven or eight.
The same safety harnesses expanded to fit
Twice the weight, twice and four times the age.
I don't know about him, but I know that
Swinging from a rope is no darn proof for bravery.
Holding the safety line, even for those we don't know, is.