Up, and ...

Come, use your strength, climb up.

They tell the little ones. 

Come, work hard, another step. 

They say.

And so up and up, the little ones climb.

Happy with each step. 

Feeling more accomplished with each step. 

Friends and family applaud each step. 

Then to the penultimate step.

A narrower step. 

Step down,  the little ones are told. 

Step down!  No place for you,  the little ones are told.  

The little ones stood.  And wondered.  In bewilderment.