I once saw a magician
make a woman disappear
I couldn't understand it
she was there, then wasn't here.

Over many years that followed
my mind still wandered back
to the disappearing woman
in her box all draped in black.

Was it nice there, in that moment
When existence wasn't hers?
Was she tempted to just stay there
When the crowd called out the words?

When the box had finished spinning
and the crowd had settled down
she appeared there, smiling brightly
perfect hair and sparkling gown.

But out beyond the stage lights
'neath the make up and the glitter,
the disappearing woman knows
it's all just smoke and mirrors.