losing our grip on purpose

By Gary Grossman

not sound but feel, when that arrow of adrenalin

flies down my arteries, unreal, like waking

up broken on pavement only to see

cardinal red taillights wing down the street.

 

Decades later I understand free-floating

anxiety does not actually float, but is

birthed from lack of control, a capture,

by powerful other.

 

And my mantra becomes this isn’t really

important, you can leave at any time,

bringing quick release, deceleration,

plane tires hitting the runway, sometimes

 

bouncing, sometimes not. My hands still

shaking; heart, a clanging bell, echoes 

bouncing off my ribs, fear now fading,

as I safely tuck it underneath my seat.

 

Gary Grossman, Professor Emeritus of Animal Ecology, University of Georgia, has poems, short fiction and essays in over 60 literary reviews. His poetry and short fiction have been nominated for a Pushcart, Best Small Fictions, and Best of the Net (nomination pending). Gary enjoys running, music, fishing, and gardening. His poetry books Lyrical Years (2023, Kelsay), What I Meant to Say Was… (2023, Impspired Press), and graphic memoir My Life in Fish—One Scientist’s Journey…(2023, Impspired) all are available from Amazon or the author.