The Mirror Box
A flawless
unbroken square of
mirrored glass
lowered into
a white box
instantly
creates two
compartments
one to the left
one to the right
rehabilitation for beginners
instructed next
to place
left hand
in left box
the one nearest to life
wrist
with absent hand
to the right
in clear view
helpful left
lies flush along the
floor of its pen
mirror version
giving the impression
it never lost a twin
to life’s mangle
when no one was watching
hours a day
experts observe
twitch upon twitch
bring five digits
to life
slow dance
narcissus called
shallow and vain
for wanting feeling back
these tricks
of judgment
guarantee progression
from thinking cavities
linger forever
to suspecting
the appetite for touch
is possible again
after years of dumb solitude
in various mirrors
you will see counterfeits
acute fingertips
lines criss-crossing palms
creases around knuckles
affectionate handshakes
offers of friendship and more
to fill the years
until your own final disappearance
occasionally
worth peering
into the adjoining space
where a stump
gives the impression
with enough reflection
even a missing hand
can emerge from
the shadows and
be of use again.
