to a tiny ball
you
and I
the only things in it
as we dance around each other
peeling our faces away
to reveal a new mask
underneath
pulling at the shreds
to show a new face to the world
again
over and over
we pull apart
dissemble
only to create ourselves anew
you are the same
but different
you think you know these features?
then again
how about these?
do you see me now
or not at all
my masks are many
but you have more
I think that maybe
that is the last
but
hocus-pocus, you step forth
with a new smile
that gets torn away like wrapping paper
to see the shiny new you
emerging from this chrysalis;
your body
There are many leaves on the tree
but one day
if you keep taking them
there will be none
a denuded, skeletal thing
stands alone in the moonlight.
The world contracts.