Remembering How To Fly

©2013 Louise Gallagher

I cannot feel
the air
against my skin
she said
my heart
has lost its beat
heavy
against the weight
of my skin
grounding my bones
to dust.
I cannot breathe.

Hearts
like birds
are meant to fly
even when their wings
are broken
he said
taking her hand
and holding it
against his chest
she felt
the steady rhythm
of his heart
beat
pounding
against her
skin
pressed tight
against his.

And slowly
her heart
began to beat
and slowly
she remembered
how to fly.