Steel Walkers

On any seasonally workable day on 5^th Ave,

to gaze above is to see up twenty or more stories,

men walking the girders of a high-rise construction.

Come lunch…

Legs dangle over a piece of steel support,

and this special breed of no-fear professionals

relax into some comfort food.

Like the Native American bridge walkers,

those brave hearts that walked the cables

of Manhattan and Brooklyn bridge construction,

the tradition continues,

bringing to mind many a thought.

What is it that lures so much ethnic diversity

to the dangers of heights?

Is there something we

of the everyday mindset

can’t fathom?

Perhaps it’s the unpolluted air,

sound,

vision,

feel of the wind,

taste of biological fear controlled.

Then again,

Maybe it’s just a gift of natural courage.