Katargeo

Published in Lost in Tall Grass (Finishing Line Press 2014)

I woke arms outstretched,
scream in my throat.

You are gripping a heavy rope,
suspended across a deep and narrow gorge,
hanging motionless,
like laundry on a windless day.

You stare down into the dark,
the gorge so deep we can only hear the bottom,
water rushing, rocks tumbling and churning,
echoing against the canyon walls.

You do not move or look my way,
even though I have come to the edge
and stretched out my arms,
even though I call your name.

I think you must be frozen with fear and
tell you not to look down.
Look at me, I shout.
Look at me. 

Finally, you turn your head
and smile.
Now you will come to me, I think.
But in that moment, you let go

and  turn your eyes from me,
instead looking down into the darkness,
as you disappear
without a sound.