There's a devil in me
Her name is Marianne.

She's my impulsiveness
my scorn
my haughtiness
and, yes, my insanity.

If I'm the balloon the boy let go of, she's the one who murmured to let me go- convinced I could fly

But-
  I CAN NOT FLY.

It is a simple thing.

I am no bird.
I am no balloon.

or maybe i am.
but I'm a penguin.
or a thin-skinned animal balloon.

Perhaps I can run, jump, dance

I CAN NOT FLY. 

So I must beg the boy,

*     don't
          let go
             of me.

please.

i'll float too high and 
     P O P!

Ah, but panting into his other ear is 
Marianne.

I wants to try out my wings!

I want to 
kiss that boy,
slap those *******,
steal a car,
run away to Europe,
become a ninja,
ride a dragon,
and on
and on
and on.

Just let go.

Let's get this straight, Marianne.
I CANNOT FLY.

The boy?
  doesn't love us
Those *******?
  are people too.
That car?
   is not ours.
Europe?
   is expensive
Become a ninja?
   we're afraid of the dark!
Ride a dragon?
   they aren't real! and we're afraid of heights!
And on and on and on?
   where would you stop?
I CAN'T FLY!
I'm a penguin!
I am charming
        sweet
        graceful, even
But-
  We will not live your dreams.

    please.
                       don't let go.

she gasps,
I want to dance!
I want to sing!
I want to shout!
I want to laugh!
I want to love!

I WANT IT ALL!!!

Fling us free, up into the blue yonder!
Live fast and die young!
We'll live forever-ever-ever!

YOU CAN FLY!
WE'LL SOAR ABOVE EVERYONE!

i whisper

no.
   hang on.
   don't let me go.
   hold me close.


i can not fly