leaving

before towers fell
we held tight
to the gate.

don't forget
your magazines,
here's twenty in case.

don't go. don't go.
he slipped into goodbye.
stay--   one more.

wheels rolled past.
I hesitated
with nuthin' to carry on.

I so needed him
packed tight against me
for one more sleep.

tomorrow, the jet way
would still be there
for me to walk the plank.

(2012)