Interiors

“Labyrinth of the Mind” by Kath Mander

 

we arrange life
in warrens of chambers
miniature worlds
we govern at whim
kings and queens
within mirrors who
rule all reflections
refusing the sing-song
of strangers abroad
preferring ad libitum
sounds that our tongues
bounce off surfaces
all facing inward
waiting for each
note to die
in its echo
before giving out
with the next

model freedom
for privately
living the life
that we choose
even one that sustains
no true melody
nonetheless
stretching our
singleton phonemes
to dullest of limits
attaining atonal
longevity
long as we don’t
step outside
where it’s others
who make all the rules
and play music that
surely will kill us

 

 

(originally posted October 2013)