GLASS

I have been having this fantasy lately where I am walking
   down the stairs with a drink,
   lose my footing,
   and then fall in such a way that the brim of the glass
   is forced directly up into the roof of my mouth.

I can taste the glass.
It tastes like spring water.
Almost metallic.

I am afraid to move my tongue for fear of slicing it.
This is not a dream,
   it's a waking fantasy,
   or perhaps a premonition.
It scares me when it happens as the image comes so suddenly.

I think that this thought has been in my head for a long time,
I think it's just becoming vivid now.
I was pleased when I started to recall my dreams,
  but now they are coming to the surface
  and spilling over into the daylight.

Maybe it has been a mistake for me to figure myself out.
I have to try to remember
   not to think these sort of  thoughts,
   but when I approach stairs
   I automatically think.

It's not something I can seem to help.
I am now trying to make sure
   never to walk with a glass
   or
   any sharp implement
   at any time,
   although if I have to,
   I concentrate very hard on what I'm doing.

This is bad strategy.
Thinking about everyday things,
   thinking about walking,
   it makes it hard to walk.
I don't know what else to do.

I can't just keep my hands empty forever.


©2002, M Hoback