Breathe in through the nose.
Breathe out through the mouth…
Imagine you’re on a chair.
No, not a chair,
But a hammock.
A hammock between two trees.
The wind wisps over your skin
And your only concern
Is the hat which was picked up
By the breeze
And laid on the soft grass beyond reach.
Now pretend you roll over
And all you see
Is the dog basking in your shade.
The shadows of the branches sway with ease.
The flicker of the sunlight shines
For only you to absorb.
Clank.
What was that?
The old home’s slamming screen door?
No, it’s the cell shut once more
Click.
Is that what I long for?
The homecoming of you after a long day?
No, It’s the lock and key taking all hope away.
Pat, pat, pat.
Could I pretend those are your footsteps?
Can I make believe that your voice will call
Through our old porch window
Saying you’re finally home?
No, it’s the guard’s soul walking away
Leaving my senses alone in this concrete cage.
Leaving my mind in solitude to wander
Through every memory that takes me out of this space…
Breathe in through the nose.
Breath out through the mouth.
–Written by Sandy Heights
