Partial

Waxen
After Gayuma

I've lost my wick,
or perhaps it's only buried under
all these layers of molten wax.
Pry it out, won't you?
Or else you'll leave me
Most unsatisfied.

I am your ball of wax,
to melt or burn or freeze
or form into an entirely different Thing -

A permanent fish,
A long-eared donkey,
Marilyn Monroe,
the dancing hula girl on your dashboard,
Or the tabby cat that sleeps
beside you at night,
To lick your face in the morning,
Whatever you may wish.

December 3, 2005