Archive of poems by Anne Kelly

We are gliding through the air
Downwards towards the soft earth
Arms outstretched on kitelike frame
Billowing through space.
Beneath us a smooth, safe surface
Lies calm and inviting.
The centre of gravity calls us
To a secure homecoming.

Looking back now
Would be a kind of madness.
Some dark vortex would snatch
At this chance of happiness
Fragmenting us forever
In a fearful silence.

You call out in warning
"Keep your head and stretch out
To what's there in front of you."
I've had very little standing
But now it looks as if
I'm going to land on my feet
Balanced, upright and free
A homecoming without permission

by Anne Kelly

Archive index | Next poem »