a spin through curving staircases
and polished bannisters with
bald carpet runners. edging to top,
eyes leaping to death.
moving in empty ballrooms, silent.

all heights and distance
at fingers' reach, with only paper
stacks and stamps to watch a fall.
these moments are clearly ending -
firm and steady inclinations.

revising, retracing, remembering
each time not so familiar
(still fresh like rust stains);
eternities since i was
reborn, removed, released.

04/22/2008

Author's Note: edited 6/12/08

Posted on 04/22/2008
Copyright © 2025 Meghan Helmich