too close to the edge

you step backwards,
too close to
the edge where the trains
roar by.
you feel the wind
of death
on your face
in your hair
along
the rigid bumps
of your spine.
you've heard stories
of people
falling onto the rails
or jumping
into an oncoming car.
you step backwards,
all your life,
you've been careful
of getting too
close to the edge.