The Trick Is Not to Think: On the Art of Ballooning

The Trick Is Not to Think: On the Art of Ballooning
(for Dfaye)

The trick is not to think.
It is in the body (some light you let go --
then ride).

The trick is not to think.
Could it be the heart can breathe and drag you on its breath
as far as love can go?
Could it be the heart can breathe?
Don't think.

Could it be you could hold the heart's breath?
Don't think.
Could it be you could let the heart's breath go --
then follow? Oh, grabbing, grabbing hold. Whatever is
traveling,
surging away!

Could it be you could cast off in blue sky
over blue water
and come upon a ship far at sea
you are at sea
but you be anyway?

Could it be you arrive far afield. Gleefully.
In a cradle.
In your own backyard.
Could it be life took you for a ride?
Could it be you let your conscience be
your guide?

Or not. (Just the heart.)
And wind up where you are.
The trick is not to think up scenes you've left behind.
Not to hold what stays
down.
Just leap out on a dream, an air of savoir faire
that leaps from inside you
and carries you, wondrous, bouyant,
to the place you are you anew, oh! traveler,
traveling magic show
let go all old sorrow
away, away we go!