mind the drop

Rain turns wood to sponge
I don't notice until the rot gives way
and I
half fall through the decking

Times slows
and then speeds back up
as my hand finds the railing
unintentionally

I breathe hard
my body like jelly
balanced on one trembling leg
as I stare down the two metre drop
that could have taken me

Adrenaline masks the damage
of scratches from ankle to knee
and the way my back twisted

I don't know it yet
but my whole body
will pay for this misstep