Rocket Man’s Descent

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I walk out to meet the day,
Not just a little,
The whole damn way.

The door opens with ease—
Too much ease—

So, I just step right out.

What a glorious view.
The sun’s crescent frown
Emerging from sliver to grimace.
Over the horizon’s hover.

Wait.

Something’s changed.
It all felt right—
So fucking right—
But…
Oh fucking no.

Oh no.
Not now!
Why now?
What did I do?

Where did the sun go?
The sun—
Where is it hiding?

All I see is ground.
Ground.
I’m on the ground
Without much of a fall,
A pall for the dirt—
I lay there, still—

Motion
Less a problem as I feel
Dirt—the dirt—
The cool dirt
Beneath my gentle hand movements.

Each petting of earth
Grounds me on the ground—
Down for some odd count—
Lying facedown on a mound.

© 2025 Tristan Robert Lange. All rights reserved.

Tittu