Once upon a time I lost myself
In the painted rooms of expectation
Behind the curtains of felt needFor I thought I’d find the mirror
And gaze upon my worth
Let it settle in my gritted teeth

But all reflections darkened
And distorted at the glance
As though captured in a spoon

Me, but not me,
Ever changing as it moved
My own alluring hypnotist

And I felt if I could bend
Then my image would ring true
And meaning’s wick aflame

Ever calling, never claimed
Honeyed deception with
Aftertaste of sand and soot

But the beguiling siren’s call
Would claim my heart no more
It’s coarse mockery exposed

When my soul’s fluted tune
Drew me to the dance within
And I caught my visage there