I’m not saying anything
about the quality of the box.
It’s a lovely box, and I can see
how it has given sense to your life,
a frame from which to view,
with which to order
all the currents streaming through your mind

I’m not saying anything
about the quality of the cage.
Certainly it’s a fine cage,
gilded and artful. It sets off your plumage,
provides a visual counterpoint
to your graceful lines

I’m just saying
something inside is making me
want to walk away. I don’t want
to try those containers out,
at least not now.

©Wendy Mulhern
November 29, 2018