Sara Holbrook's Blog Spot

Seems like the right week for a reprise of this little ditty (as I once again file an extension).

Letter to the IRS

Every year I promise myself and the government that I will not file an extension.

That I will be a good citizen and get my taxes in on time.

Every year, I make the same promise.  Every year, I file the same extension.

Dear IRS,

I had every intention . . .

I was bent to the task,

pen to the paper,

face to face with those forms –

And then sang a summons, such sweet invitation,

Algerian finger chimes, fairies, ethereal pipes.

A daydream come to dance,

holding warm cups of wonder to pour on my head.

"Not now," I said.

Bills piled in baskets, receipts on the floor.

I never take calls when the bottom line's dead at the door. 

I implored that dream --

Come, take my hand, dance me, not lightly, sure palm at my back.

Let’s stomp the lights black and blue, bop bip be do,

swing song some slow notes, swollen long low notes,

hold along oh notes, slowly with me.

But after I scour the mail for what's been bought where

for how much and how many.

After all dues and subscriptions are entered, recorded with salaries, commissions.

After I've checked each check’s balancing act, please –

Blow bliss down my back till I rise and arch into the soft kiss of maybe.

Whisper my ears,

run your hands down my sides

till I reach for the moon.  Soon.

As soon as I stack and arrange last year’s leftover dust,

gather the details the daily dog scattered beside of his bowl.

Counting in columns, red and black slaloms down dry paper crinkles,

straighten the wrinkled statistics, specifically –

Closer, come closer, sweet, delicate breath on my face

help me erase all this data,

after I cross

this desert of detail –

douse me with moisture,        

corsage me, delight

            Not till I’m finished

            then –

take me lavender dancing, scarves in the wind

Hold me with honey, all the law will allow.

Move me.  Moonbeam me.  Fudge sauce, whip cream me.

Dance along dream me.

Hold me.

            Not now?

Sincerely                                                         

©1999 Sara Holbrook, Isn’t She Ladylike, Collinwood Media/Bottom Dog Press ALL RIGHTS RESERVED