Magic

Does magic exist?

I know that it does

because I work so hard to keep it away.

It sits there just around every corner and
I clear my throat

and shift my eyes

just in time not to see it.

I sense its inviting presence in the dark,

and I quickly go to sleep to avoid it.

I met magic once in a high desert town

and it cordially invited me to join it.

Taken back by the frankness of its intent

I begged for more time to think on it.

A month later, I called it back, just

to verify that I had heard rightly.

I pled for more time when I realized

that the costs just could not be paid lightly.

It seemed an easy choice,

to let loose of the prosaic,

the expected, the dull,

the anchors of a life led safely,

the shared illusions of people

just like me,

deep rooted responsibilities,

and yet,

now it sits and its waits,

and I procrastinate,

putting up a good front

and knowing

that if I show my real fears,

it will leave.

                            Alix Hellas