Asking permission

Before I’m even sure what it is 

The moment slides up to the curb,

Stops our car,

And pulls me from the passenger seat 

To stand in the blinking

Airport drop off line with my best friends

Bags hoisted two cocktails deep, goodbye

Under the waxing moon 

As I’m walking up to the ramp 

That raises us to the plane 

I say goodbye to the land

On my last footstep 

I don’t bend to kiss it 

Like the woman a few people behind me

I wish I did

As the plane begins its 

Incomprehensible roar

Towards the sky 

I feel the tug 

Of the thread

That connects my heart to 

The place 

The farther we go the tighter 

It’s pulled, closing a wound like stitches 

That was open and belly up to the salt 

For nine days 

Thank god for the closing

And all praise to whatever perfect

Vengeful complicated loving

Deity agrees to let me come be ripped

Wide