spin, dizzy


i reach out my hands
and lean back
skin pulling taut
across my belly and chest,
colors dancing in the sudden dark
as I snap
my eyes shut.

my arms swing round
and the arc of my body
echos the tight circle
i feel beating from within.

it spins swift, smooth,
rhythmic,
as my eyes dart hectic
to find an exit.

but each time
i brace myself to leap,
[inhale.]
go.
[break.]
[time floats. I am suspended upon shimmering strands like morning dew.]
slamskidbounce thud
[stop.]

panting heavy,
burning, swiped across my arm and shoulder
i clutch my elbow,
clench my teeth
[i think if i squint hard enough. . .can it be..?]
and get up off my callused knees.


Kim Khanh Nguyen