if someone asks you

if someone asks you
if you've seen me,
say: "i'm not sure."

if someone asks you
how i live my life,
walk backwards.

if they ask
how i am when angry,
close your eyes.

if someone asks you
my name, say
a crow flying at midnight.

if someone asks you
if i am at peace,
point to the light
of a single candle.

if someone asks you
of my childhood,
hand upside-down
while wearing a blindfold.

if someone asks you
how long i love,
hold your breath forever
but do not die.

asked if i will ever forget
someone once loved,
dance a gentle dance
from sunset to morning,
never stopping to rest.

if they ask
the color of my soul,
look towards the smoke
from a fire, and nod once.

if they ask you
if i am happy with my life,
walk on your hands
wearing bells on your ankles.

asked the deepest secret
of my life, i would direct you
to the ocean's lowest tide
in night's deepest fog...
and it will not tell you.