When we were new
we had no peeling paper.
Every chromatic awed
and our frames were flawless.

We had all the potential
to be masterpieces
matching the images
we painted for ourselves.

Then someone came
and stole our corners
made off with our edges
peeled away the lamination

They folded our wishes,
dropped some in their coffee
used them to level their tables.
In droves they would visit

The boxes showed no wear
until the lids came off
and the count would be deemed
inadequate for an optimal build.

Puzzlers would come to sit
with hopes of a calming chat
but once the stickers told the price
they left and didn’t come back