Tell it Like it Is
Make a simple observation. Step one.
Scan walls and desktops,
Feeling your way through a life,
Obscured by distance.
There is no question where you’re going.
Take in the scene,
Into account any number of tiny little details.
Points of fact, of question.
Make a point,
See where they might wind up.
You do not know me.
Look harder,
You’re certain to draw a number of conclusions.
Only it might not be what you think.
It might be different, subtle shades lighter,
Darker even.
You’ll never know. That’s really the point.
You’ll smile and speak,
Lodge your vision into discourse.
That makes it true, right?
You’ll nod gravely,
Speak in hushed tones and tell it like it is.
Only it won’t be.
It’s not that simple.
Watch and wait, You’ll be let down.
Nothing lasts,
Holds up to this kind of scrutiny.
Watch it,
Watch me wither and burn.
Slow burn,
Smoking cinders, falling ashes,
Fades away.
Only you won’t see it. I’m clever,
Slick.
I’m too good.
I’m drifting, I’m already gone.
Only you couldn’t find it. You weren’t looking.
So smile, so speak.
Know me as I might be.
Only,
I’m not,
you’ve already blinked.