free association, four

hostages

don’t normally have the freedom

I have

as they wait for an outcome

to resolve their lives.

I find myself free to roam

within my own space

even as you

hold me hostage from my joy:

your eyes

& all they say to me when you glance my way

and the smell of you

that spreads through my

nostrils

with one quick intake of air

and reminds me of the good times

sad times

and rain.

You are no militant &

have no clue

as to how you keep me corralled here

while you await your payoff,

this ransom you refuse to let

me in on the terms of.