Poem

And as I jump

I recall our weekend at Bowman Lake

- Tommy at the water’s edge

- Carol-Ann begged him not to fall

- Hickory chips smoking...

Flash of flawless burning light

Upon the wings of death

Way beyond Gramercy...

And as I jump,

I relish the rushing air -

Cooling,

Like that summer in the Dakotas.

Dad behind the wheel of our 74 Buick.

Mom turns and says

“Just wind the window down Mikey.”

Headed for Mount Rushmore...

And as I jump

I itemize what is undone

- Places unvisited

- Words unsaid.

Carol-Ann, you know I always loved you.

Please tell Tommy

Daddy didn't want to die

And I really did try to fly.