5.
Standing Off
I’m almost sure, I halfway know it.
It’s probably here, about to drop around here.
The first time it was here.
My calendar said it would be here.
The map said it would be here.
The voice said it.
The lady at the front said it.
Someone outside said it.
I even found a note saying:
Everything’s about to drop, fall off. One half at a time.
I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned. I didn’t see it.
Someone whispered in my ear. I turned, but I missed it.
A light blinded me from the window ahead. I couldn’t see it.
Then a voice-over said:
If the hands go down, a headstand; if the value goes low, a headstand.
I can’t see it.
A headstand?
A tapping on my arm. I turned. I didn’t get it.
Something bumped into my leg. I looked - didn’t get it.
Looked in my pocket, found a note saying:
Probably tomorrow, or really soon!
Will I notice it?
The voice-over said:
If the hands go up, a side flip; if the value goes up, a side flip.
I felt a chill in my body
The air is moving in
I can’t notice it.
When the words go halfway down, when the words go halfway up, a backflip.
I don’t see it.
If the pressure is higher and the volume is higher, a handspring.
If this shoe drops, then the other shoe
drops.
That’s what I’ve been waiting.
The walls are turning grey. But I can’t see it.
Will I ever see it?
Should I just wait?
Should I wait until tomorrow, or until next year, or until when?
What’s the next step?
Should I do a headstand?
Maybe I'll do a headstand.
I’m done waiting.