In physics, what’s called Escape Velocity
Is necessary for leaving earth’s gravity.
My dying mother asked for ostrich-skin boots,
Proper footwear in Texas for making tracks.
My father escaped in a P-51. An old friend told us
Of waking, in tears, from a dream of flying with him.
The morning my husband died I watched his legs
Churning like when a dog dreams of chasing rabbits.
He was working on picking up enough speed for lift-off.
When his legs went quiet, I knew it was achieved.
