last night I pulled a string out of my mouth


for the longest eight seconds imaginable.


It was like drinking a beer on a bench


while holding your brother’s hand. 


It was medicine without instructions.


Excuse me while I impersonate a little longer


a glass of water left at the lectern,


or a family of bears caught in freeway traffic.


I am trying, as much as possible, to keep you near me.


And there’s a lake in the distance with your foot in it.