Tire Swing

You spread your branches out wide

Enough to catch me

Coarse and rigid bark

Dripping sweet and sappy

I find myself wandering outside

On days like these

To enjoy an afternoon swing

Back and forth,

Back and forth

Not always sure

If I'll keep coming back

Maybe

One day I'll stay

But what's the fun in knowing that

I know I never said for keeps

But freedom sometimes seems so lonely

And my love tires,

As she sleeps 

Dormant within me

Still playfully hung up

By what used to be her noose

Now just looking for a sturdy branch to tell her

This isn't the kind of game you have to lose

Something about tire swings in summer

Always sounded like good news

Unaffected by the loose screws

Barely hanging on by worn threads

Even amongst an icy winter frost

I seek the softness of your breath

Leaving behind secret whispers

Decoded on foggy panes
Stories of what comes after springtime rains

Familiarity of this space

Childhood bliss

Cold and hesitant

Warm kiss

Of sun rays

Delicately gracing both sides of my face