Terminal Velocity

David C Nobes

Terminal Velocity

If I jump from a bridge,

cords attached to my ankles

or not,

I fall faster

with every second;

9.8 metres per second faster,

every second,

until I reach

terminal velocity

when the push of the air

and the pull of the Earth

balance.

What balance is there in my heart?

What is the terminal velocity

when my heart falls?

Do I have cords

attached?

Is there

a safety net

to catch me as I fall?

I am reaching terminal velocity.

Catch me.

D. C. Nobes is a physicist, poet, and photographer who, aside from 2 years on Vancouver Island, spent his first 39 years in or near Toronto, Canada, then 23 years based in Christchurch, New Zealand, 4 years in China, and has since retired to Bali. He used to enjoy winter but admits that he doesn’t miss the snow or the cold. He thinks almost all poetry is meant to be read aloud. His poetry and art photographs have been widely published.

Instagram: @sebon52