Eyes closed, I tread with a leisurely gait,

When I dance my mind takes flight.

The sandy path illuminates—

Are you jealous of this light?

When I laugh my voice, robust and free,

To others it spreads abound.

The world takes a pause and laughs with me—

Are you jealous of this sound?

Weeks last longer than years go by,

Time is ephemeral and true,

So I live knowing some day I will die—

Are you jealous you’re unable to?

Is that why at dusk, my sandy stage

To shattered glass transforms?

You pierce my heels, remark my age,

I drown in your acrid storm.

Is that why my voice, once light and charming,

Stops short at ‘yes’ and ‘please’?

Echoing words so very deceiving

You taught me to repeat:

‘Pull your eyes from the starry night

As beyond your reach, they glow.

Inevitable should the city lights

Coerce your gaze in lieu’

A modish phrase, a modish scheme,

Though frightened, I attempt to dream,

But like a mirror I am hung by the nape,

Bound to reflect your bitter shape.

My head hangs just as flowers wilt,

Its center swells with remorse and guilt.

My thoughts overflow,

Your whispers grow,

conform

conform

CONFORM

Until no more the starlight’s sweet

Ethereal gaze can I meet.