Stone Mask, Laughing Mask

I refuse to think there is nothing more I can know of you.

- stone mask, laughing mask -

Distinct edges, time and place , rapt audience!

Vitrine

From across 12,000 years

From across 12 feet

I open my mouth wide to wail and instead

i n h a l e / (heave) / i n h a l e / (heave)

Sharp ( involuntary)

As a tack

Repeatedly I inhale my questions…but only for now.

(I tell myself)

Then the water runs scalding and chases me out of my mourning.