went to the movies yesterday
arrived late during the previews
which i never do
that should have been
a premonition
of things to come
got my popcorn
followed my almost-running-honey up the stairs
was about to choose a row in the semi-darkness
when she grabs the back of my vest and tugs
gently
apparently indicating the need for me
to come back down
to a more appropriate row she’s chosen
that’s all she wrote
balance gone
black l.l.bean bag and popcorn flew into air
as i went ass over teakettle
tumbling backwards down at least
two movie theatre-sized steps
now
we “of a certain age’ are not natural born tumblers
babies bounce well
children in gymnastics tumble remarkably well
oh, I would imagine that those practicing yoga daily
or those receiving paychecks from barnum & bailey
or cirque de soleil bounce remarkably
and the olympiads
training for balance and precision on the high beam
surely can tumble with grace and ease
even planning a curtsy or a well-timed bow
on the upswing as the applause begins
there was no applause for me
no ‘brava!’ yelled from the snickering teens
in the top back row
just a shaky and embarrassed
me
already sore from a morning of
back and neck alignment out
hoisting myself up somehow
i slithered into the closest seat
which i was hoping would engulf
and swallow up
me and my mortification
and today?
ouch
i think my hips are intact
what was the name of that movie again?
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