INSTINCT

From childbirth
we grip instinctively
with as much might as possible
to anything that crosses the
threshold of our palms

to anything that is holdable
to anything that is warm

and as adults
our hands have grown
strong enough to grip
exhaust pipes

and we do

let the smoke blow
in our faces
be burned and dragged by
fishtailing vehicles
prepare for whatever
unaccidental accidents
are coming

because
even exhausted

holding on to
that which is holdable
that which is warm

feels far more natural
than letting go