Give me the key
after you unlock yourself
and I will melt it down
into a medal you can wear
over your heart
so you can keep prison
close without
bolting yourself in again
so I won’t tear
every time I watch
the door close behind you
feel you crouched
in that tiny room
with bars on the sky
pouring cement
into your veins
Throw off your chains
and I will share
the combination
that opens from within
a country cabin
with wide windows
that shut tight
when you need them
yet still offer
enough light
to breathe
neighbors
you don’t see
unless you divulge
your naked fields
invite them
to stop by
accept their basket
of backyard tomatoes
gardening tips
handfuls of seed
If you leave your gate unlatched
I promise not to walk on
anything green and tender
I promise to leave the weeding to you
