Foothold

It was not you but your pedestal
that stalled me, foot on the pedal,
knotted my tongue with flame

You above the city
candles burning at your feet
marble and smoke-smudged

It was not your arms but your
inhalation that pulled me
up above the purple mist, wingless

You in my arms
without a safety net
breath of oranges

and me
afraid to exhale