I only wanted to dance, first of all,
but then I changed my mind.
I need more.
Curl me up and cork it tight
and set me afloat down the river.
I’ll hear it coming, I know,
roaring and calling my name.
And if – when – I am opened up,
you may take my photograph
and pay for the privilege
and I will tell you your future.
This was written as part of National Poetry Writing Month 2021, sparked by the NaPoWriMo prompt for April 9 to write a poem as a to-do list of an interesting character; I chose to write about Annie Edson Taylor, the first person to ride over Niagara Falls in a barrel.