dissect motives and emotions
from the degree of smile
in the day hemisphere;
calculate the angle of authenticity
in my words and actions;
do not fear the unknown that lurks behind
the mask of night:
the pain and insecurity
that rule the land of darkness...
there is an ivory-gray area
on the bridge of my nose;
light breaks through my falsity,
illuminating ghosts of long-faded freckles
and haunting childhood memories
truth may set me free,
but lies will keep me hovering
just inches from the alligators
that curse the moat below:
the hardest act to follow
is my own.
i turn the other cheek
and stare into the crowd
with their anonymous underwear disguise,
my right and wrong face showing like both sides
of Aunt Rosa's handmade sweater;
then light falls upon my face
and both sides smile,
content in the reality
of congruence
