the cliff

i sit on the edge of the cliff, a vast emptiness below me.
i don’t want to be pulled back from the ledge.
i don’t want panicked observers to get the wrong idea.
i am safe; there is no danger of leaping.
however, i am sad and i am afraid -
afraid that what i’ve done is inconsequential;
afraid that what i am is insignificant.
what has my life amounted to?
do not fear for me.
do not reassure me.
simply sit next to me,
hold my hand,
and whisper to me
“me too."