When the Lights Fade

Look into the mirror

an endless state of possibilities

visions quadrupled

but not for me.

I'm an old-world star

once popular

with flowing long hair, sparkling eyes, Botticelli face,

like Jesus

I walked and they followed

all the way

into my bed, on the kitchen table,

the playroom

and the patio

glistening flakes falling down

around us

steaming

red hot centers radiating outward

enough warmth to power all of

Columbus.

Now I can only get it half up

and my lawn is dead and dying

just like me.

I'm licking my own stamps,

watering house plants,

and making pasta that's too soft.

I even get myself off

with my own hand now.

A mere mortal.

It's a tragedy

the crusty creature

I've become

walking down the streets, catching glimpses

from shop window reflections,

the girls go screaming

at the sight of me.

busted lips

and

missing teeth

I count each gap

as a badge of honor

for every decade I've made it out of.

loss the only constant.

lost women

lost days

lost life

but found self.