I want
to press flowers between the pages
of my favorite books
without worrying
that the petals will stain
the words I’ve read
over and over again
I want
to name my favorite books
without worrying
that someone I respect
will think they are childish or stupid
or that when I open them the next time
they will have lost their precious magic
I want
to place a ring of flowers on my head
clumsily crafted by myself
or capably crafted by someone I love
without worrying
that ants will burrow into my hair
and send tingles down my spine
I want
to want
without worrying