"can you hold this?"
I say it like a question
with inflection
but I've already deposited my gift
in your hands
you've barely time
to register a smile
before I've flitted off to whatever land I'm calling reality today and
in your hands
you find the handle of a bucket
empty now
but that just means
it's full of potential, right?
better than the last time I said
"can you hold this?"
with a smile that wasn't asking
and suddenly your arms were full
to the brim
with magnets
and a few tote bags
and at least one broom
and you smiled
as I poured my life
in your hands
each trinket and box
definitely at least one clock
and this wasn't the first
(and it won't be the last)
time you've moved me as I flitted
from house to home
from home to drifting
in and out of reality
and I keep pleading
"can you hold this"
each time I slip by
as I give you whatever I have
in my hands
my books
my tears
my grapes
my pride
my hopes
my fear
my heart
and I give you
everything I possibly can
as I don't give you
the one thing you can't hold
(my hand)
