risk and reward

you don't pet
the cross stitched
snake, rising as it rattles,
or stick your head
into a lion's
mouth.
you leave the alligators
alone,
choosing not
to wrestle their rugged
green hides
to the ground, prying
their jaws open.
there is no bungee cord
in your near or distant
future,
or plane
to leap out of
from the clouds above,
no, you live a timid life.
work and love
being enough risk
and reward as it is.