Holding out for life

pull the covers off me
so I can see you in the dirt of the morning
and if I fall from mattress to floor
you could just drag the body down
and if I am still beneath by afternoon
a series of carefully arranged rules
enough to deliver me.

lift the heavy off me
so I can feel the light pouring into me
and if I am small when I should not
you could just pump the body up
and if I am still beneath by count of ten
don't think I haven't got arrangements
for stealing a breath or two
taking it right from you

and don't be afraid.
it isn't all that hard
i'm just the same as air
a million tiny threads
and not one single day
comforting the dead
and holding out for life.