for ian

annie dodson

up and

down and

left and

right.

back and

forth and

side

to

side.

i am hypnotized.

you are the pendulum and

i’m getting

.... sleepy.

but when you droop?

down, down, hanging over our heads like the storm clouds on a cool august night?

i mourn and

i ache and

i

cry.

you need to be free.

like an airplane or a bird,

we can plug you in and set you to the

skies.

the vultures are scared

but i am unafraid.

you do not threaten me.

your ever-present smile

comforts

me.

how i wish to be held

in your long

floppy arms.

i look into your eyes

and

i

am

hypnotized.

up and

down and

left and

right.

back and

forth and

side to

side

goes my heart when i see you, ian.

i see you, ian.

fly for me.