thirty-seven months, zooms around 
the living room, wings extended, almost 
lifting off, and I ask, Rocket or plane?  
Most gigantean rocket, he scoffs, and I wonder 
how I lost the power to launch and soar, 
not as metaphor but uniting mind and body, 
as if I could meld those two into potential 
or kinetic energy, like the fuel powering 
space ships or propelling the heart, 
that oscillating organ of moist thighs 
and aching touch—which really is 
all that’s needed. 

Gary Grossman,

Professor Emeritus of Animal Ecology, University of Georgia, has poems and essays in 70+ literary reviews. His poetry and short fiction have been nominated for the Pushcart Prize and Best Small Fictions. His poetry books Lyrical Years (Kelsay Books, 2023) and What I Meant to Say Was... (Impspired Press, 2023), and his graphic memoir My Life in Fish: One Scientist’s Journey (Impspired Press, 2023) all may be purchased from Amazon or from the author.

Gary enjoys running, music, fishing, and gardening. Learn more about his creative activities at his website: https://www.garygrossman.net/