I picked out frames I thought could diminish the guilt
resting inside corners of my eyes,

but nothing is thick enough to mask the obvious


we went out and ate, celebrating your birthday,
and my mind was on everyone else in the restaurant
because the look I sensed from you
had too much pressure tied to it


you asked me to come over and I had to
stop myself from answering with the tension
elevating in my voice


so I picked out frames I thought could make everyone
realize I am as ordinary as a cloud
and just as pale,

but nothing could stop me from
writing everything that is hidden
in dirty lenses I keep forgetting
to clean.

02/13/2006