A Tutu of Balloons

towards

her

A tutu
of balloons, floating

family,
freedom from inspection,
and the perceived moral misdirection
of stepping over invisible lines
on a map.

Unanswerable questions
for a young girl
who will one day
reunite with joy
and hope,
and safety.
All contained within
the frame of her father.

Maintaining the composure
of a seasoned veteran
of penitentiary,
waiting for that permanent parole
until she,
and her tutu of balloons,
return.

Michael Carney