dear, dare i
accept

the limits of
a smile

in the heat of
distress,

stripped of prince
gown-

all fashion, no
function,

no comfort in
the nude,

hostile
to seduction-

am behind the
glass flirt

in moods most
perverse.

blow faux kiss
to flatter

tattered toy talking
without moving
mouth,

moth wing pinned
to pillow
not

casualty of dust
storm
not

without its
charm..

toadstool from
his torpor,

spare me the
stupor

of logic and
order

spoil madness with
meaning.

snowy owl eyes
on campfire
nights,

was winter’s dream
a fever never
to repeat

details
under fingernails,

each flicker face
a snowflake

cracking thin-skin
windshield,

feel the crunch of boots
on diamonds

left not quite as
i found
them

lost stars buried by
the weight of
worries

frame an
end..

most faint and
blurry.

i’d be wise to chase
hisses home,

crack the panes,
unshackle
time,

should i taunt
flames

best contain the
spread of
mine,

sparing cardboard
creatures

guarding arid
acres

miles from
crime.