Music Box
Click below to hear me read this poem.
pink and padded cell
holds her captive until
the one with the magic key
unlocks her privacy
pleased to be released
from her velveteen coffin
just what you always dreamed
so sweet a treat for your command
you pop the golden latch
and she springs eager
as if waiting for you
to turn the ratchet
perfectly posed
tirelessly dances, twirling
at your whim and will
for you alone
but the day comes
her ballet now wrote
tired of your tiny dancer
close the lid for the last time
piled on a card table
on your lawn
labeled with masking tape
one dollar