Outlier

Realizing someone must extend
across the divide, I slipped off
my comfortable coat
and stepped out on the bridge.

Coldness and isolation beset me
as I cautiously tread on
each of the footing ropes.
I had become an outlier.

Wondering if this was sacrifice,
I glanced back to note my missing coat
among the stirring and anguished crowd
and felt no less lonely.