Freedom

In fifth grade, I watch you sprint across
The field
And think that you might not come back:
Foolish
Crazy
You throw your head back to laugh and return
Face flushed, eyes wild with freedom.

In seventh, I watch you sprint across
The finish line
And I think that the win might propel you away:
Foolish
Crazy
And you finger the medal cool against skin and grin
Face flushed, rocketed by victory.

In ninth, I watch you sprint across
The dance floor
And think that the music carries you away:
Foolish
Crazy
Then you grab her to spin her around
Face flushed, strenghtened by love.

In eleventh, I watch you sprint across
The dorm
And think that maybe you’re running away
Foolish
Crazy
So you grab the book tucked under the desk
Face flushed, hassled by time.

After college, I watch you sprint across
The airport
And think that I might never see you again
Foolish
Crazy
So you take the ticket and wave a goodbye
Face flushed, tempted by fate.

After forever, I remember watching you sprint across
The finish line
And think I was never so wrong
Not foolish
Not crazy
And I still see you take tickets and wave last goodbye
Face flushed, brought down by freedom.