Can I Shake ... by G.D. Lafontant ~ copyright 2010

... can I shake your tree?
Pick the low fruit first?
Stand in the mush of the
over-ripe you already
let go ... ?

Can I shake you at
your foundation
where you stand in a hole
feeling grounded?

Can I shake your faith?
Or will you dig in?
Will you cling tighter?

Can I shake your etch-a-sketch?
Make you start over?
Will you draw on what
you drew before or stare
at the blank slate
terrified and relieved?
Will you start over?

Can I shake
your hand
like we just met?
Will you shake your
head at every
other thing I say?

Can I shake your cup of dice?
Can I pour your fate out
on the table and watch
your bones roll around
on the felt?

Can I shake you free?

And can you do the same for me?