A Commentary

I used to hide things

under tables, in antique boxes and secret drawers

gum wrappers, stone pendulums

tiny

toy

horses

I used to hide things 'cause I thought

folks might come snooping

back when I thought my parents didn't trust me

before I made a dish with vodka in the sauce

and my dad left the room

with a distracted "try not to drink any."

I used to hide my magic tools

wands, crystals, tarot cards

because I thought they only worked if no one knew

they were there

& now I don't think they work at all,

and my friends see them every time I go for a pencil

but it's okay— I say

I only keep them 'cause they're pretty.

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• 781 of 1974
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