I am sister to that goose-gray elephant balancer,
I set the stage for her cool and slanted ride.
I am the one who
stands against the wall.
Sometimes I hold a knife
between my teeth,
sharpening an eye on its
thin brilliance.
I hold out my arms
standing spread-eagled
half-listening to the timed patter
waiting for the perfect set of blows –
thunk
thunk
thunk
(punctuated by their half-gasps)
and I open my eyes and step out smiling,
leaving my handled silhouette.
R. Brookes McKenzie 