friday after work

friday, after work
something softens
unclenches
relief from some tightness
some holding together
you breathe

like when school ends for summer
your last cancer treatment
or you wake with no fever
or leave your abuser
your project completed
you ace the performance
drive home thru the blizzard

now unclench,
let your guard down,
and open your heart,
take your time,
smile

and why not live there?

why not live at Friday after work?
why not live at breathe deep,
school's out, fever's gone?
why not leave the guard down,
heart open,
time pliable?

oh no
i couldn't possibly
or could i?