Ruth

She is riding a roller coaster,

full speed, no brakes, arms in the air.

And as if a demon took over jumbled

and confused the flights of ideas that

never land or land like a pulled pin

on a hand grenade

She says

who I am, what I had

a husband, a son, a job

at the library,

a house and a white picket fence,

a warm bed, hot food.

These things ran away.

I asked if she was happy—

not really, I cry inside.

But, if I see you that day

I’m happy no matter what.

I would die for you

because you have fought

so hard for me.

I would die for you.

I cry.

She says

I saw a diamond, it was red,

the size of my foot

and lizards are real.

I got a ticket to ride

the train—ALL ABOARD

I’m going to ride that ship.

I cry inside to see the mean

things going on around here

I cry

I’m a Mississippi Queen, dislocated.

They’re teaching kids new science

I’m not sure we’re going to be okay.