Kathryn Roush Poet Villanelle

How freedom feels like falling

Falling, I am flying through time forever or fleeting,
Racing down, my death I dread,
Greatness- spite gravity! To the ground's last meeting.

To elements I am bared, bereaved of wings beating,
Heaven and earth, earth and heaven, howling fills my head,
Falling, am I flying through time forever or fleeting?
	
Reluctant, my eyes raise; Is this worth repeating?
To unlock a mind unsteady, understanding what's unsaid?
Greatness, despite gravity or to the ground's last meeting?

Castaway, cast away your care; Now cured, I'm competing,
Substantial or supposed, still these wings I spread.
Falling, now I am flying through time, forever fleeting.

Desperately I double down, my energy depleting,
I refuse that reality, my needle I re-thread
With greatness- spite gravity! To the ground's very last meeting.

Grow or die grateful; This gale I am greeting,
Leaving my loneliness, To freedom I am led
Falling, I am flying through time forever, fleeting
Greatness, despite gravity, till the ground's last meeting.

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Jennifer Wallace May 14, 2026 at 4:51 AM Kathryn, this is beautifully written and emotionally charged. The rhythm and repetition give it a powerful momentum, almost mirroring the sensation of falling itself. I especially loved the line “Grow or die grateful; This gale I am greeting”—it carries both vulnerability and fierce resolve. There’s courage, introspection, and a real sense of transformation woven throughout. A compelling and memorable piece. Kathryn Roush May 14, 2026 at 1:47 PM Thank you Jennifer! There was definitely a lot that went into this one so I’m glad to hear it really pulled through.

Beata Agustin April 18, 2026 at 12:50 AM Thanks for sharing this... exposing your thoughts through your unique poetic style. Welcome to Poetry Soup. I welcome you with the love of the Lord, expressed by John 3:16 of the Bible, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Be blessed.