Crimson Balloon

Crimson Balloon
Yong Wan Choi 01.17.09

I hold the plump tip between my lips and blow
as it grows a little, the greedy cheeks swell even more
the dream of a new groom has swelled
the breast of a new bride is taut
warm breath creeps slowly inside
ready to burst at the slightest touch
the round surface stretched tight
is full of children, cars, houses, school, hope
at the end of the railway where swelling hearts come rushing, a whistle
inside the balloon young bells ring out loud
the sky, its glasses wiped with breath, clears bright
in the pond a round-mouthed goldfish
envies the balloon, its two eyes popping out
a little one waves a tiny fist with glee
floating, floating off to find mother and home
the crimson balloon narrowly slips past the power lines
and flies, holding its dream, into the blue void beyond the world