By Henry Carlile
Date: 22 February 2001
Helium
In the shopping mall love is lighter than air,
the ceiling is full of hearts loose from their tethers.
One says I love you! another Be my valentine!
Outside, over the parking lot, two like blown kisses
or the promise of fidelity rise to separate heavens.
The checkout boy swears if I lose mine another
is free. Then why do I clutch the string so tightly,
juggling my groceries, unlocking the door?
My husband frowns into the evening news, When
will we ever learn? Yes, I want to echo, When?
Was it the news or another passing holiday,
the weather we discussed as if a weather change
might change us too? I wanted something else
for us, but instead of naming it, gave him a heart,
lighter than air, that will fly away if he lets it.
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