Written by David McMullin
Step 1: Cross the gorge -
One bridge stretches safe and strong.
One bridge shows a lot of rust.
Which one would you trust?
Step 2: Cross a sea -
One boat has a sturdy hull.
One boat looks about to bust.
Which one would you trust?
Step 3: Stop for lunch -
One meal seems a healthy choice.
One meal fills you with disgust.
Which one would you trust?
Step 4: Pass by the volcano -
One is quiet and serene.
One might suddenly combust.
Which one would you trust?
Step 5: Balloon across the sky -
One cloud gently floats on by.
One’s a swirling, windy gust.
Which one would you trust?
Step 6: Strap on a parachute and leap -
One is packed with perfect care.
One is old and caked with dust.
Which one would you trust?
Look at that, you won the race!
Your trophy’s on the shelf.
That’s because at every turn,
you trusted in yourself.
While racing through your awesome life
there’s one thing that’s a must …
make choices that are brave and smart.
It’s YOU you need to trust.
.
David McMullin’s books include FREE TO BE FABULOUS! (HarperCollins), ROCK ’N’ ROLL BABY (Penguin/Random House), and a soon-to-be-announced early reader series. He has poems published in several magazines and anthologies. Honors include being the 2021 Madness Poetry champion. David is a full time world traveler, bird nerd, and YouTuber. Past careers include being a Broadway actor and a children’s librarian.
.