It seems it has all come down to this. Every day I struggle To untie the same little knot That is attached to a balloon With my face on it. Eventually, the balloon is freed And with a laugh of relief Dances jerkily away. I watch it rise above the tree line Seeming to slow and enjoy its flight. I watch it against the hills Growing ethereal and filled with grace. I still watch it with aching eyes As it is absorbed into the heavens. Watching its disappearance Obviously I am still here. As all of life itself. As the inexplicable miracle. As the heart’s joy.