MEMENTUM

June 12, 2005

The principle of velocity
is simple,
if time is measured
in repetitions
and if speed is merely
point A and point B.
I have tried to avoid
comparing the length
of your shadow
against mine
as we stood on the open field
marvelling at how fast
dragonflies dart.
We whittle away the hours
walking slowly behind a clock
that is moving too swiftly.
If it was left to me,
I would scale time
By means of how long
you arc your back
while you stretch
every lazy Sunday.
And calculate speed
by merely watching
how your fingers skim
over songs
as deftly as if
you have known them
all your life--
like my skin,
moving with a new-found momentum
colliding against
your every curve.
I would have gladly exchanged
precision for memories
to gauge how fast
I am falling,
If only to forget
that the distance
between you and me,
is altogether
too exact.

blue rogue