Love Poem: Mister Z

Mister Z

Splintered shivs of the mirror, life
     Memory strains my true visage
          Broken in jagged, shadowy grimaces
               Once ... smiles, joyous

Oh, immortality has many faces
     But none of them can shape expression
          Or imitate the innocence of a child
               Blue, is a vein when wrapped in flesh

Yet all that flows within is warm crimson
     So why should I think that what looks back at me
          Is anything but a parody of prescience?
               Why should I believe that the world laughs with inclusion,

Instead of with mocking, vile hilarity?
     With every exhalation ...
          I push out poisons onto the breeze
               Yet it is the same unseen element that gives me life

So why should I believe that you are true
     Simply because you profess it?
          My feet greet floor each morning
               Yet I am cold ... as carrion.




~ 1st Place ~  in the "Standard Number 100, Any Form Or None" Poetry Contest, Brian Strand, Sponsor.