Birthday Balloons

You sir, are not my enemy. 

No, only there is time 

the hanging strings of deflating birthday balloons 

clinging to my hair 

as fat puffs of helium paw at the ceiling waiting to be fed. 

The dark irony of a deflating black celebration

spilling out of the closet.

Slowly drifting out through dim curtains

as they drop their dark weight to the floor, 

and you feel, close, 

the insistent heavy wet mortality deep in your gut. 

     *   *   *   *   *   *   * 

It's only when you write that you feel

that they hang for you

float on their own between floor and ceiling 

to congratulate the way you, too, 

are floating above reality 

(yet bobbing up against the inevitable

like latex hovers just below the beams).

They nestle, softly, over your sheets

silent guard dogs in looming sleep,

and smile down to commemorate the spectacle

ink smears on living skin

of your raw, accumulating humanity. 

Author's Note

Based on the terrifying real life sensation of waking up to a dark shadow lurking beside your bed, and realizing it's an escapee from the zoo of decorations you've left in your closet to die. For anyone who also finds themselves incapable of popping birthday balloons after the party.

I am trying to learn how to break lines/get used to poetry, so any feedback on that/any feedback at all is greatly appreciated.

Can anyone think of a better title?

Reviews

[SquinklaPsyOps]

The message is loud and clear in these few words that you've shared here. I am more intrigued by the assertion that our existence is in our minds, along with the destructive voices.

Every creation carries within it the seeds of its own destruction.

[Great Aunt Astri]

I think you have done the 'breaking lines' very well. When words have a line to themselves they become much more expressive. Well done.

[shutbudholdsabee]

Thanks for the read and review!

[Rick Puetter]

Dear shutbudholdsabee,

Interesting. I like it. Came to your pages because I entered one of your contests and wanted to see what your writing is like. Have some comments, but will do that privately.

This was a good write and it was enjoyed. High marks as this is much better than what you typically find on WC.

Best regards,

Rick