Endless uneven steps
lead the way

No handrail here
Not now
Not then

Nothing to prevent a clumsy fall
onto unforgiving stone

Only the cold wall to try to cling to
as a metal-clad warrior rushes past
desperate to do his duty

Best hide your phone;
He’s not a fan and he is not averse 
to giving the odd unsuspecting tourist 
a shove if he’s that way out

I wouldn’t chance it

His mood depends on the weather
and on the heartiness of his latest meal

Accidents happen
And no-one would ever see his involvement 
or admit it, even if they had

Stay focussed
Let your eyes adjust to the shadows 
and do your damnedest to reach the top
in once piece

It’s a great view from up there 
I’d say worth the effort and the risk

But use the halfpace wisely;
Breathe in. Take stock
Decide if you have the guts to continue

Good luck

30 lines, 157 words written for contest https://allpoetry.com/contest/2755222-Word-prompt---Halfpace
Write a poem that incorporates the word halfpace. 

Definition of halfpace. 1: a raised floor or dais or a platform or footpace at the top of steps (as for a throne or an altar) 2: a landing of a staircase like a broad step between two half flights — compare quarterpace.