Perspective's Malaise
by Odin Roark

How rich the vicarious
to be but not to be
that safe haven of lookie loos
where arms length from reality
provides never-having-to-leave the fighter's corner of illusion

To wander in shoes
not yours
to sweat in passion's fold
imagined yours
all from the bliss of wide-screen pleasures

To know
pine tree fragrance by picture alone
Dudamel magic from distant audience seat
recorded rather than real

Packaged emotion made temporary
is to avoid the answered door of the actual
always open
inviting risk of touch
admitting not the harlequin jester
with jingle bells attached
but those with outstretched hands and heart

Spoil alert

Fantasy's sleight of hand
delusion's feathery plumes to distract
engulf the willing
repulse the knowing

To accept the gold watch for accomplishment
might be to know a struggle
but is it the reward of being who you are
or the perpetuation of what you're not?