No Strings Attached

Minus them
it’s not alive;
it’s become
an inanimate object,
a beautifully shaped piece of wood;
it can’t even break free
like a kite would;
it is impractical furniture,
to be looked upon
but not sat upon.
It is without purpose.
It is dumb.
It has lost the art of conversation.
It has had its tongue pulled out.
You’re witnessing a terrible thing:
it can no longer sing.

 * * *

We often think of ‘No strings attached’
as being something positive;
an act of generosity by someone,
a freedom granted,
no provisos, no conditions,
no caveats, no stipulations,
no limitations, no obligations,
no catches.

Though when we are in tune with someone
many of us are reassured
by some obligations;
we like to see the ring gleaming
on our ring finger,
we happily make vows and promises
that we intend to keep:
our need to be attached
runs deep.

With strings attached we feel secure
and we sing; together,
we sing.

Lucille