“the right side of the periodic table is a list of noble gases,
of elements that cannot be combined because they are perfectly complete all on their own,
elements that are bright like neon and light like helium,
floating into the atmosphere with their own lack of density.
you’re just so easy to be around.
you make me feel weightless, like i am basking in sunshine.
name yourself Helios, for you create all the good things that fill up my insides
and send me flying,
reaching for the atmosphere on wax wings.
i am icarus and you are a safety net to catch me.
you are too-fast driving down twisting highways and old jeans that are too loose at the knees.
you are straight teeth and milkshakes and midnight lord of the rings.
eternal summers stretch between your fingertips,
half-empty gas tanks and sugar-coated movie tickets,
helium and neon and icarus.
the ocean strives to be like you, strong and cold and warm and gentle all at once,
endless and alive and full of life.”