That Magic Moment

I held it in the palm of

my trembling hand,

like a delicate

origami swan.

.

My head spun,

like a cheap

tilt-a-whirl

in a parking lot fun fair,

.

or a sugar high

after one too many

scoops of praline-

fudge ice cream.

.

I could no more fly

than a paper bird

but, oh, if I could

this would be the time.

.

I tucked it close to my chest,

catching my breath,

trying to steady my pulse,

in that surreal moment.

.

Everything was different now,

I knew, as I shoved it deep

toward the bottom of my pocket;

an inglorious beginning to a new life.