ladder work

the aluminum ladder
pulled longer by the blue rope,
leans
up against the brick house.
there are windows
to be painted.
trim, siding, a dormer
or two.
since falling though
three years ago
you are more careful,
more thorough
in setting the feet,
checking the ground,
the wall,
wind. you fill your lungs
with imaginary courage
then climb.
you can only escape
death so many times
before it's your time.