The Prophylactic Heart Poem by Rachael Swiss

I safeguard my emotions in vacuum sealed containers.
They are systemically labeled and tucked away in storage
Laid out in alphabetical order for easy access
And infrequent use.

You must apply steady and forceful pressure to a wound to slow the bleeding.

I pop a red balloon and draw on the helium
The oxygen deprivation cons me into laughter
And feelings of unfettered and childish joy
I long for swings and ferris wheel rides
Fireworks and first kisses.

The inhalation process must go slowly
And be savored
Or else it might dissipate in greed and haste
Ending in headache without a soul
To hear you squeak.

Balloons are fragile and if you prick them
They will die as easily as feelings might
Were they not handled with kid gloves
Made out of the same sterile material
And hidden to protect their tender nature.