One rung at a time, she climbs to the top,

the top of the ladder to reach the sky.

And one rung away, she stumbles and falls --

falls down through the air and

does anyone care?

One hill and another, she hikes every slope,

each step rubbing blisters; just keeps moving on.

At the top of the last, as she looks gladly down,

she trips and falls back--back through sweat-dirty air

and does anyone notice?

does anyone care?

She's told herself over and over again --

I'll keep getting up, I'll keep taking the pain.

But for each time she falls, there's another glass shard

sticking into her side, digging deep to her bones.

And will anyone reach out a hand or a heart?

Does anyone realize she's fallen so far?

Is there someone who notices all she has done,

does anyone care she keeps trying so hard?