Lift Off

Electrical storms
in your brain
sparked ignition,
and the deafening roar
of the engines
is but a faint hum
for you now,
tucked inside
your hospital spaceship,
floating around
in vague moments
of anticipation.

All the practicing
with zero gravity
has finally paid off.
You are weightless now.

Eno’s Apollo plays
in the background.
That’s odd, you ponder,
eyes closed, I don’t
remember turning
that on. Come to think
of it…come to think…

The music begins
to change now, joined
by a decidedly more
ethereal melody
you do not recognize.
How sweet the sound,
you think. I am ready.

A cosmic countdown
begins. Ground control
is the loved ones on
either side of your bed,
clasping your hands.
All systems go.
And we have lift off.
The force that hastens
your ascent is greater
than the drag
you leave behind.
God be with you.

Claire Juno, © 2023

Brian Eno’s “An Ending (Ascent)”

for my father
I love you
I love you
I love you

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