as red and golden
leaves in fall. I'd swirl and hover
in the air as a hummingbird. And then
I'd drift. But I couldn't get back my lift.

I'd fall
as raindrops on the window,
streaking the glass with every pass
in beaded pearls as a girl. But now I
swallow the pain, holding in the rain.

I'd fall
and scrape my knee. Lost my footing
on used to be's. No mommy kisses for boo
boos. Only blood on my new shoes. But I'd rise
as early morn just to fall back on a rosebush of thorns.

I'd fall
for the lines of men
over and again. All my foes looked
like friends. Now I write lines with pen,
sending them off with smile and quaff!