What does it take to hold
hot air, to carry the weight
of people and perhaps one dog?
Could I stitch together
silken scarves (hundreds!) by hand
and still float away like
dandelion seed, round and
pregnant question?
There is a shortage of helium,
you see, and these things must
be learned. Would dental floss
be a stronger thread; it’s strong
enough for teeth if pulled
correctly. I would pull it
correctly. I would try.
I would fill bags with sand
to weight, heavy as nursing breasts,
cold as the bottle of Sprite
that burst in the freezer forgotten.
Make of it what you will— there is
work to be done.
The tone of this poem unfolds slowly – there is a sense that a task is to be undertaken – and that it’s not an easy one. So much careful consideration here, such poignancy. The writer is steeling themselves for the task(s) ahead – and this moment of quiet reflection at what lies ahead is powerful. Beautiful.