helium

I thought I was invincible,
unbreakable,
as fundamentally stable as helium.
Inert and singularly sound.
Watching the world while floating skyward,
destined for the beautiful infinity of space.

But you always saw me before I escaped,
and gently pulled me back.

I loved that.

Because of you I realized I did have weakness,
and along with it a deeper strength,
both that came from my bonds with others.
You held me close and grounded me,
you taught me to love the earth.

And now that you’ve let go I am so scared,
terrified you might forget about me for just long enough,
that I’ll drift out of reach.

I don’t want to go to space anymore.

-w