UNTETHER

sometimes,
in times
of certainty,
I must remind
myself 
to breathe,
to honor where I am,
remembering
that what might have been lost
received reprieve
because I was not
that magnificent.

yet because I can 
I envy 
the dogs on four legs, standing, 
the birds by two wings, lifted, 
me content 
with one hand clapping
knowing greatness wears braces
and staggers with surprise, 
if or when I smile.

and when breathing,
if I untether,
winds sail off
with a ransom 
of my dreams