i still remember the way your hand felt
wrapped around mine as we jumped into the water
loose at first,
just encouragement.
but then tighter as you saw how nervous i was
and then firm enough to turn my hand white because
you thought about what might happen
and we jumped
fell farther
our grip loosened
and farther
looser
farther
looser
until finally
we hit the water
the impact was hard and frightening
and all at once
you let go