My little sibling has fallen in love, and can't get up.

This is a precarious moment in time

where you can watch someone

approach a cliff for the first time; a precipice of great emotional significance,

And there is fear there, yes, but much discipline.

Rocks, ornery unconcerned lumps in the ground that won’t disintegrate no matter how they are forgotten, break ankles,

But this darling of mine who I watch now, is wearing boots running securely to the knee, prepared because that is the best way

They approach the cliff, and there comes to the realization of it all

There is someone else there,

on the cliff, reader of mine.

Someone who arrived first

and looks like they would be impeccable company

Just below the lip of the first ridge there is grass so dense it felt something like suede

The lover is expertly perched, and ready for loving.

And of course the question is “Jump?” And the answer is “Jump” And the question remains “Jump???” and the answer being jump still.

And the water will catch you, or maybe those arms,

and either way

my love,

you fly.

the arms that catch you will exist, and will warm you as arms are meant to do.

in the case of the water’s love, you will have the current to aid the flow back into oneself. Full like a vase. like an open mouth pressed again and again into perfection of a velveteen bottom lip. You will have a new piece now.

and in the case of someone else’s arms,

you will hold them and have the love you conjure up before bed

and this will be what the fear pays for

this quiet bliss of knowing that here is something you will sigh about when you get back home

and when you sing any song

it is about this moment

this loving fall

"in the case of the water's love, you will have the current to aid the flow back into oneself."

(Written May 21, 2021)