Face Value

Information never helps me
as much as I would like to lie
things flat as an undone bracelet
on a laminate tabletop. Factually
speaking, sense hurts
I do least harm when I don’t open up
mail, use papers only
as doorjambs to let in cooler air
and when I cry think of nothing
but island vacations, charity galas
cheap wine on ice
and how I’m bringing
out so candidly
the colour of my eyes.

____
Paris Reid runs Pathological Research.