by my fingertips

I hold you by
my fingertips
(but never in my hand);
and if sometimes
my finger slips
I hope you understand.

I keep you in
a paper cup
(with holes poked in the top);
and very seldom
pick you up
for fear that you will drop.

I set you on
a blade of grass
(so you can fly away);
and wonder while
the minutes pass
if I could make you stay.

I close my eyes
and let you leave
(I have to set you free);
but secretly
I still believe
that you'll come back to me.