Charley on the Edge

Charley sits on the edge
One paw away from the fall
She sits easily, never tense
Not a care at all

Charley likes the edge
With the heat of the sun at its peak
She likes the view, the air
Nothing more to seek

Charley watches the birds
In the tree just feet away
On the edge, she’s as carefree
And wild as they

Charley sees the dogs below
On leashes she’s always shunned
Tied to people, to being good
Something she’s never done

Charley lives by her own rules
Makes it up as she goes
Confident of the way she is
And of the love she knows

Charley dreams of sailing
Across the sky and the sea
She loves the edge, for here
She’s as free as she’ll ever be

I see her there and wish
I were small enough to sit
Beside her on the edge
Just one more aging misfit

- Peggy Radcliffe