An abandoned quarry. High-walled stone pit.

At the bottom strolling through newfound friendship.

Looking up, a bold climber's dream. "Let's do it! We can climb it." Overreachingly confident--young.

One led the way. Not too difficult really. Foolish?

The next followed. Shorter, smaller, smiling--at first. 

One scrambled gaining the top edge, turned about.

The other grimaced. So close.

Gasping, "Can't do it. Can't make it!" 

It couldn't end this way; this fresh togetherness so auspicious.

Be calm. "Sure you can. Almost. You got it!"

Arm stretched downward in entreaty, eyes tearing. 

Struggling, strengthening, trying, reaching out.

Grasping the hand. Up!

Together.