Of Parachutes Unopened
the scream itself
doesn't change
a single note
maintained at
terminal velocity
from realization
to impact
to the casual observer
passed in freefall
it gains volume
then fades
a bell curve of sound
parachute shaped
over the rushing wind
it has always been
my unfortunate habit
to scream
all the way down
waving the broken rip-cord
at anyone I pass
Don McGonigal
Sept 2005