Eke

I’m reaching as far as I can,

Arms stretched out of their sockets,

To curl the tips of my fingers around the impossible.

I’m stretching up on my tiptoes with such determination

I fear my feet will disconnect with the ground

In my effort to make ends meet.

I could be ungrounded, disconnected from myself,

Float above it all with little concern for gravity.

I’ll consider dissipation.

I’ll laugh at inappropriate times.

I’ll swim in unusual waters with strange fish.

I’ll talk in a language everybody pretends to understand.

They’ll smile politely and whisper behind my back.

They’ll consult and make arrangements for my disposition.

They’ll tie a rope around my ankle and pull me back to earth

Despite my most strenuous protest.

I’ll remember I stopped carrying a pocket knife long ago

And wistfully regret the missed opportunities of youth.