at a pastel pool i saw you in the ripples
of the tide. you gave that winning smile
but i was too busy skimming stones to
fall for that trick again. the ground shifted
and the water rippled in every direction.
until, i stood facing you in faded technicolor. the red of my cheeks began rolling down my face like blood soaked tears and my skin grew even paler and the gold of my hair shed, leaving me a white haired medusa. i think you laughed but i couldn’t be sure. you are bright and alive now and laughing heartily on the banks. i do not know you, truly.