Locked Up

I'm not here. I am
over there
with the big guy
with the big smile
and the johnnie on
and his arms spread wide
walking to you
with no idea
that today is today
and that you are you
and I am me

I'm not here
watching you
walk into his
open arms
your smallish head
now comfortably
in his curled palm

I'm not here
looking back through
the windows
of double locked doors
having failed
or succeeded

I'm not here
but I am everywhere
ten minutes
ten years
the ten seconds it took
total
to touch you hello
and goodbye

I'm not here
or over there
I am waiting
for the elevator
to take me down
and away
and back
to you
and back
to him
and back
again
and back again.