Robin Beth Schaer

Restraint

There were no solid walls or impossible locks.
I was the Queen of Birds, with a metal shim
beneath my tongue and a shoulder slipped

from the socket. My escape was always astounding;
the art was finding the slack. Then you, my sweet

locomotive, careened. Your impact shook loose
sequins and concealed keys, released a sack
of pigeons. I was not in search of whiplash,

but in your long arms, I craved capture,
the stillness of a swaddle and would reeve

myself to you with piano wire, twine, and rope,
unrigged. I offer my wrists, my thumbs,
but the unfettering you feel is just my finest trick.

Robin Beth Schaer

Restraint first appeared in Painted Bride Quarterly (Issue 73).

Posted on August 21, 2006 6:06 AM