"can you hold this?"

I say it like a question
with inflection
but I've already deposited my gift
in your hands

you've barely time
to register a smile
before I've flitted off to whatever land I'm calling reality today and

in your hands
you find the handle of a bucket
empty now
but that just means
it's full of potential, right?

better than the last time I said
"can you hold this?"
with a smile that wasn't asking
and suddenly your arms were full
to the brim
       with magnets
                and a few tote bags
                          and at least one broom

and you smiled
as I poured my life
in your hands
each trinket and box
definitely at least one clock

and this wasn't the first
(and it won't be the last)
time you've moved me as I flitted
          from house to home
                    from home to drifting
                              in and out of reality

and I keep pleading
"can you hold this"
each time I slip by
as I give you whatever I have
in my hands
                    my books
                    my tears
                    my grapes
                    my pride
                    my hopes
                    my fear
                    my heart
                    and I give you
                    everything I possibly can

as I don't give you
the one thing you can't hold

                   (my hand)