Once Upon a Time Poems

Trying On

As he writhes about
to read my aura,
I empty all his boxes
like Pandora.
His bow tie crooked,
nudging against
the lapel of his plaid jacket,
he kneels in front of me,
stars in his eyes,
“Forever, I’ll serve thee. . .”
whispering lies,
“Fits to a tee.”
It’s all a myth,
no true desire,
all chant and babble,
through his tongue
breathing fire,
that dollar dragon.
Still my hopes have wings,
“Yes, I can snap,
but not those glowing things!
This heel, so upsetting. . .
like a skyscraper on end. . .
curling my soles. . .
one clever twist of the ankle strip
tempered with pain.
Can’t be used in the rain.”
Inside the store,
trying on shoes again.