Flying

Holding hands in the Botanical Garden

Feeling as free as the blue jays, cardinals

And finches on the wing

Held down by gravity, we envy them

Then I close my eyes and I’m up there with them

I take my beloved’s hand and bid him come

We are there just below the cloud-free sky

Flying among the birds

Our arms are wings flapping, flapping

I suddenly hear a rushing sound. It’s a hawk!

I open my eyes and I’m seated on the bench

My beloved sleeping by my side.