exhibitionism in d minor

exhibitionism in d minor

Katie Rhiscarlan [3.11.2k+1]

note: Not written with Animorphs in mind, but I think the connections are there. Vaguely. Or, you know, not.

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i.)

faded drama queen
scripts of angst

unmemorized

drown on cue
to the undertow of applause

don't forget to buy me a playbill or something

ii.)

on this night, deception, draped catclever
over your eyes,

is welcome. indeed,
the masquerade's tonight and our masks need repainting.

crown fool, come forward. see his finery:
painted tears hung on his collar, nails
lovingly embedded in his palms. metaphorical effect daintily
daubs gaudy burdens ten thick on his wrists.

the committee's wondering -
should he walk to the drumbeat of slippered feet?
or shall the tulle-covered crowd part
to his countermelody of discarded dreams?

one
night a year's enough for the reign of His Majesty
tomorrow he'll put his robes
in a closet, and forget about his kingdom
too large to manage anyway

iii.)

dealing flipped you an ace.
and for me, the rule-card, tucked
in among the regal spades.

(double or nothing. and the stakes would be
higher, if they weren't pushed pleasantly
deep in your entrails.)