Autumn Dragons

no wonder the season we loved was always called “fall"

running by the banks of the Mississippi

five shirtless boys sick and tired of sitting

and the crisp wind bites them

reminding them they’re alive

no wonder you made me love with my hands tied behind me

you and I standing

watching those boys running into the horizon

and you / rosy-cheeked and smiling

so close to me and yet so far away / mouthing the words:

“You can’t take anything out of this world that you didn’t take in"

and no wonder we run while moments turn to ashes around us

and there were dying leaves trampled underfoot

and dusks that always faded too soon...

while the xc captain exhaled dragon-smoke by the side of I-94

he reminded me that living was only tripping

until we fell across the finish line

that we can fly if we're ready to fall