A former lover

sends me a message via e-mail,

a throw-away, an aside

apologizing for what

might have been.  He’s getting

married.  A beautiful blonde

with long shining hair, both ready

to jump.  In the photo she is loaded down

with all her gear; her smiling face reflecting

no fear, thumbs up.

They are up in the air, their past lives

roaring behind them,

ready to leap.