Build A Swingset In Your Heart

for Jasmine S.

First-

Hang one swing for yourself over your fingers
on a branch of a tree made from neck ties
in a field glowing with Chicago greenlights
 
Then-
Dress up like a Christmas sleepover
and have everything you say
turned into songs broadcast over radio
 
You make hit records and handbooks for lovers all at once.
 
Take off your red earrings and fake fingernails in a bath of cream
Become a slippery taste, a cold, light, waxy feel
like the roof of your mouth when eating washed grapes.
 
Break in twain and tell a secret to your twin
Have her sit above the table while you sit below.
 
She will dare you to whistle at boys working
on the houses across the river.
when you do they will turn to songbirds
and sing back, and blow you kisses.
 
Grow a little chinatown
on your left shoulder
and watch the paper dragons
and sweet firecracker candy
bring the lucky new year.
 
And when you have become the baby doll
with antique shop dreams
and lips the color of a return to madness
 
You will build up a swingset in your heart
and boys with elevator eyes will bring you
all the greenlights, candy, books, records, neckties.

 

 

Dana Jerman has published numerous poetry and flash fiction in the USA and abroad. She currently lives in Chicago with her husband Don Hall and enjoys playing drums in two separate rock bands. Keep up with her lit once a month here: Blastfortune.blogspot.com.