Hide and seek

                                   This game of hide and seek has lasted over a decade. In an infinite house with multi-
                                   plying rooms, wings like hollow
                                   spider's legs. Left so many white handkerchiefs in
                                   cubby holes and closets, it became impossible to tell
                                   who's was who's
                                   or what any of it meant. Tiny calendars carried in breast pockets spit days down
                                   our shirts, trickle out down trouser legs. Sometimes weeks fall at a time.
                                   Hansel and Gretel could've eaten their trail through the woods to sustain them; our
                                   crisscrossing time receipts stick to our feet
                                   as we walk. Sometimes limp. Mostly pine. I fell
                                   open like the doors of the forgotten wardrobe on the fourth floor when I knew
                                   I could not contain you
                                   in my hopscotch mind.

                                   Singing I have fairytales, I have nursery rhymes.
                                   I have a tea set in the
                                   secret room
                                   by the library
                                   that smells of lemon and lime. I've got
                                   picture books
                                   of every kind,
                                   and macaroons I found
                                   in a dresser drawer
                                   like treats
                                   that were left behind.

                                   And, like a teddy bear hanging from my hand,
                                   I've got my time.

                                   There's nothing for it any more, but to count to ten
                                   and slowly wander. Come out, come out, wherever you are,
                                   come out










                        come out







come home to me