Beauties

Beauties

 

We were glorious then
As tall as thistles
We danced between whirlwinds of dust and dogshit mountain ranges
Discovered whole cities beneath concrete slabs

And we were such beauties when
We painted our real faces over our masks
Danced in the shadows between strobe light and snare drum
Uncovered our secret flesh in secret places

We were glittering when
We forged our bonds, and then broke them to make them stronger
Danced between lovers and disapproval
Recovered pleasures long neglected and forgotten

We can be magnificent now
When we dance across trip-hazard rooms
To rediscover ourselves, fierce and fearless
And offer up our hearts on the altar of words

And we will have been such legends when
We peek out from forgotten stacks of yellowed paper
Dancing only from mouth to ear
No taller than a photograph
No heavier than a name.

 


November 2023

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