pause for the moment

pause for that whole 

blasted decade

in a froth of unearned 

vigor and frivolity

no one more 

bored 

or restless

while time contorts

and expands

an exhausting loop

no one more 

chagrined

or disillusioned

a simple instance--a snap!

and time constricts

life a confused halt

the bones 

are different now

hollow

too frail 

in this sudden

onslaught

the laughter

a rarity

my mouth 

strains to remember

how it curves

the mirror

insists

on lies, day 

by day by 

day.