had I means for stopping
a way to end all ways –
a time to stall
to take my fill and leave
untouched by a door
still closing
no backward glance reprieve
had there been but one
surrender
would it have followed me

from the moment
I first noticed –
how stars became your eyes
was there I floated
flailing
the sweetest bird
the darkest skies
had I known
had I noticed
when first tempted into flight
might I have changed
direction –
taken chances
with goodbye

. . .