Archivist's note: This poem was inspired by the pose in this picture by Pt (Pink Square), from the 2001 Moments of Rapture contest.

To Hold
by June Lee

Hold me in your arms

And keep me from falling.

Hold me to the reality of dreams at night,

Away from the torment of past regrets.

Greet me as I open the curtains.

Watch as the wind rushes through the window in greeting.

Fuss as I fuss over what to wear.

Stay with me as I run and jump and skip.

Squeeze my hand in yours when the world starts tilting

And scream with me as the roller coaster loops

And loops

And falls.

Reach for me as the horses race

Up and down,

Fixated to a pole and a spinning platform.

Keep me balanced on the teeter-totter

And laugh as we go along.

Push me again, and again,

As high as life will allow,

As high as the chained seat will allow,

And open your arms to catch me when I jump.

Hold me as we fall

Onto the green green grass of home.

Delight as I dangle grapes in front of you,

As we share sandwiches and strawberries and shakes.

Laugh with me at the little things in life,

Because without them, surely there would be no reason to stay standing.

Wipe my tears as we realize our faults,

Pretend you can hear my mumbled apologies.

Hold my heart in your hands to accept me as I am.

Catch my breath when I drown in estascy,

And walk with me into the next dawn of starlight.

And hold me up against the wall

To keep me from falling

So I can return a kiss that says all this to you.