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figurines
posed, like bodies caught
dancing some strange rhythm,
limbs outstretched — supple,
waiting to be shaped
 
by some sculptor making study of our
model love.
if only we were clay! without
hearts beating, without developing
questions and affections.
(we would be empty and beautiful.)
but in our embrace are two embraces,
the breathers and their likeness:
an ontology too rich to bear.
 
agency which set glass tops spinning
forfeited unknowing:
we made believe,
we made belief,
even we aren't in on the ruse.
 
reasons fall:
for what could i need solace,
if holding your hand is false consolation?
surely amusement alone could not explain
my heart's stirring fondly— falsely.
we mistake ourselves. gossamer wishes
choke out reality —
 
we swallow falsity like a drug.
open discussion shatters glass tops
spinning, better keep spinning
this fiction we insist on living.
 
neither of us loves the other;
just the same, we dance together.
 
oh sculptor, bless these spinning tops
with a glass kiss;
oh sculptor, cast our embrace
before it breaks.
Matisse Peppet
Published in Issue 41