There’s such a heavy
weight on my chest
that when I get
a chance
to take a deep breath
it is a shock of pure
joy through me
and for a few moments
after that
my hands do not shake
and my chest lifts

A deep breath should not
mean this much
to me
it is two lovers
at the airport
taking two
separate breaths
before running
to meet
one nearly crying
down the escalators
from pure joy
the other nearly crying
while they shift
from foot to foot
where the escalator
swallows itself 

I feel like I’m
breathing in 
ocean air 
for the first time
with arms open
in front of the 
blanket of pale blue

I feel like  
you must have felt
when you 
quit smoking
after months 
or just the
three day **** 
breathing better now
feeling normal now


My hands don’t
shake
my chest is not
so tight
lifting
up
for a few moments