The Heart’s House Arrest

How tenuous the heart remains

Knowing it is now only granted

Ankle bracelet freedom

A few beats afforded the resident squirrel

Whose daily venture across the fence top

Checking out the nut supply

I place for him

Rhythmic pacing invests in

So many trees

Swaying independently nature’s breath

Giving needed rhythm to passion’s plea

It takes courage

Some say to tap on one’s heart walls

Especially after lights go out

In hopes its plea

Might be heard

In this solitary we call my world now

Where the deadbolt

Is so tactful

No one has yet been offended by it

The firm taps upon compassion’s wall

Spelling out an escape

Or perhaps but an epiphany

I now doze off thinking

From where I’ve come

Listening to that firm heartbeat

And nothing else

As it reminds me

I’m still alive

Even if confined

Might it be a sign?