The bond

Take me by the hand and walk
far away from here,
stride, big galloping strides so our lungs swell, and we lift as air balloons
and walk, until our feet are raw and our legs will carry us no further,
then sit with me as we ache and darkness falls around my ears
help me to hollow a tunnel of light
and grab onto that searing beam in the aim we’ll be pulled out;
into the rainbow,
listen when I scream my whispers, and nod
clap your hands around my face and shake me;
but nod, nevertheless,
and when you whistle, even in the absence of melody;
I’ll dance, while you jump in puddles -
all the while we’ll never once look at the clock
and in return, I promise:
that when I can still see you, but we’re separated by glass,
I’ll rest my hand on your lingering handprint;
and walk with you.

(c) Copyright Jane Edwards 2010