i blink light
catching glimpses
between tongue
and teeth;
this is not the girl
swimming in my head,
under my skin.

she is ugliness here,
in the harsh light of day,
body contorted, distorted
by reality's eye -
lines and shadows
dipping and dancing
into patterns of disillusion.

she is discordant,
uneven, a meshing
of artificial colouring
with polyester pupils
and lycra lips; a
numbered mugshot
in a rogues' gallery.

i wish for darkness
swimming in the
memory of my inner-self:
she is Giotto's perfect
circle, hand-drawn
and natural, catching tears
in slumber's smile.

04/25/2005

Posted on 04/25/2005
Copyright © 2025 Karen Michelle