If We Had a Nickel

You have to be speedy,

                      buy more time.

An eye acts as a barrier, an extra minute

to cling to dull benefit.

                          Repeat a stain,

intense architecture—it’s going to fall.

The day before is dry, down waves

and friction, between strays and static.

Drag your crown, intentional, covered

in light.

A mirror doesn’t contain your name—

a sheen tenfold with tweaks for definition.

Eyes need to fill in gaps, along the camera,

a blush emphatic with everything.

You put three tiny stitches where

you want to hide, mold the shape like a doll.

The mistake is plunging, above go-to art,

         never a slip.

Don’t choose—you will be innocent,

in front of you, your face.