OverTheRainbow

step outside

the breeze is blowing

wisps of cirrus cloud

the sky is blue

the geese are leaving

farewell

we say

and don't mean it

mean it please for once

the turning leaves will thank you

the world was gray and cold when i rolled out of bed,

the first frost of the season just barely

kissing the ground. i tied the morning 

into shoelace knots and hugged forgiveness to my chest.

i know all the words, of course. who doesn't? we are practically

brainwashed into our knowing, having to stand and face the flag

(when did you learn that it was hand over heart &

you are.

and: you don't have to be. 

let yourself exist.

sleep in late.

make your favorite foods.

hug your shoulders, your knees, not to hide behind but to marvel at.

you are marvelous.

means head of the year,

tippy-top, press restart, new year, wind it up, begin again,

clean slate, fresh sheet of paper. so get out your markers.

we're going to draw ourselves a better world.

she came up behind me one day & tapped me on the shoulder

i spun on my heel, unsteady, a dumb american consistently

ashamed of my language

she pointed at my face and drew a heart in the air with her thumbs