Disappear

when I disappear, I’ll go in a sneaky way
my body will linger just long enough
to give everyone the dodge but my shadow
will be down the road selling roses for pennies.

when I disappear I will have already let the dogs out
will have forgotten their names, will have 
taught them to no longer think of me
as master. wild dogs, the kind that will snap
at your shins. 

when I disappear, they won’t find the boat I stole
will roll the tide up behind me, will pray
to the sea goddess, make a naughty pact
with her, full of lightning. 

when I disappear my shirts won’t fit anymore
my face will fall off, I’ll have to buy new stuff
I suppose, will have to be someone, I suppose
if I choose to suppose. don’t count on it. 

when I disappear I’ll have no need for gravity
you can keep it, all of you, divide it and 
determine who and what shall be held
down and who and what shall be equitable
to helium. the stars, I’ll say, look at the pretty
stars. 

when I disappear, I will have forgiven you
don’t look for the epigraphic note or 
the compilation CD. you gotta have faith
the songs would say, but what’s faith
without a doubt and a leap (it’s like knowing a kiss
before you’ve kissed it). 
 
when I disappear I’ll go the long way
this way and that between the trees
in the company of bears, a black
squadron of them. don’t get it the way.
they’ve come only for me.
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