Fall

Katrina Kaye

It is important
to know
how to fall.

The ability to
stitch a net out
of eyelash and
torn paperback,

to catch,
to survive,
to go on,

is more vital
than perching
impassive on
mountain peak

or slumbering
in the shade
of pine tree.

It is important
to know how
fast the world
is set to change.

and yet recognize
all the ways it stays
the same.

One man’s action
is limited to the
reach of his arm.
His fall,

only a tragedy
to those who
stood by and

could not help.
Only a tragedy
to those who did
not see him

rise again.

“Fall” is previously published on Spillwords (2023)

Last Day

Katrina Kaye

The clay we are molded
in will not harden. We
are not meant to last.

Even as we lay in post
coital glory, the tremble
still in my legs, the sweat
clinging to our bodies,
even now, we know
this is the end.

A moment shared, in all
its precious give and take,
touch and toss, comfort and
cross, is just a temporary
slip of the sun across sky.

Hold my body to yours, let
the sweat dry and consciousness
return to our extremities
let the sun fall on our last
day of summer. My dearest friend.

“Last Day” is previously published in Saturday’s Sirens (2020).

Are we not

Katrina Kaye

at times
so desperate for

meaning

we look for it
in every facet from
cloud formations
to green traffic lights

are we not
so eager for

direction

we read every passing
mile marker aloud
yet we are no longer
taught cartography
nor the reason for the craft

we have learned patience
but never told
what we are waiting for

we are told
to hold our breath
but never the reason
for ceasing to inhale

in the clouds
I see everything from
dragons to seashells
to angry faces in mid scream

some nights I drive
watching the countdown
of miles as I get closer
and closer to an unknown

destination

I hold my breath and watch
the clock to see how
much patience I have
and I question

are we not
all questioning

purpose

without any faith of finding
true answers

“Are we not” is previously published in Verse Virtal (2023).