Pontoon Pantoum #505
        after Dickinson

I cannot fly like bridges—
I am a looser thing—
More heavy and more useful
Than those who wear a wing.

I am a thing that slouches
But not without my form—
For those who fear a crossing
I can be crossed upon.

I have an architecture
If not the actual arch—
I'm cross-tied inexpertly
By juniper and larch.

But if it's reach you're after—
A thoughtlessness of loft—
Should Jupiter or Mars inspire
Your altitudinous lust—

Then do not think to lift
A foot onto the likes of me—
I do not love Your Highness
Though bow eternally.

The foot that feels the river
Intuits what my use is—
I tether the mortalities—
I cannot fly like bridges.

Copyright © 2004 Kathy Fagan All rights reserved
from Smartish Pace
Reprinted by Verse Daily® with permission