facade and a space

equilibrium…for balance I shall raise my arms
to both sides of a narrow hall…touch horizontal
dimensions of dark passage there

suspicion…of lacunae within rooms I would
open…enter…dread they are mere frame facade
of a cosmic movie set…where I shall fall onto
a dry and dusty street below

caution…I stop…hear scurry scratching feet,
smell damp must…press bare toes into soft
sponge of rot…touch fur of mold beneath
my fingertips

and final implication of doing nothing,
as if I am already in my tomb…already
seeping eventual…decaying elemental,
fading to oblivion…and anyhow…anyhow

there is music behind a doorway and brave
shouts of ecstasy and laughter…deep sobs,
and I…destined and compelled…eager and
willingly compliant enter on my cue

by Bonnie Marshall

Art by Edward Hopper