there are two
condemned bridges
that somehow still
exist
way out in the
Kansas sticks

I've slept on
one
& died on the
other
the first holds
my roots
& the second
my lover

on a dare I was told
to jump
but I clung to
the iron rim
when he was dared
to jump, he did;

but he couldn't swim


now my urge
to dive
only clings to me
on whims

until phantom limbs
clutch my collar
& tell me no
again

& again


& again.