Leaping, Not Falling

At the rim of the cliff
what does it take now
to take
the plunge?

The canopy is made
–they say–
of the best nylon
the harness tested
for stress

That last time–remember
–how fists of air
handed you safe
through all those rungs
of light

spun you down
easy as any aspen leaf
onto the sandy bed
of an arroyo

to smell the sage
and piňon
to hear the rock-doves
calling.

Advertisement