Poem - When I Land

The poem “When I Land” was inspired by an excerpt from J.D. Salinger’s book, The Catcher in the Rye. While it is about falling in love with women (girls), I suspect the sentiments can turn in any gender’s direction.

“(after jitterbugging) I was about half in love with her by the time we sat down. That’s the thing about girls. Every time they do something pretty… you fall half in love with them, and then you never know where the hell you are. Girls. Jesus Christ. They can drive you crazy. They really can.”


When I Land

I fall in love too easily
totter off the high tall cliff
if I share this moment’s bliss
in the company of one like you
pretty is enough you see
pulling me to the edge
propping me to feel the push
when nearness adds a gentle breeze

half is not the full amount
it is enough to set my heart
to thinking of what could be
you and me in company
hand in hand as a start
plunging fast towards the rocks
where I’ll land I do not know
these fantasies call for romance

Salinger warned of the craze
madness borne of female touch
he did not wish to veer from it
instead he shared the consequence
to an end this I will plummet
the outcome I’ll never guess
I’ll take my lumps in life’s pursuit
if beauty waits when I land.

2016, Sean Green. All Rights Reserved, 20161007.