Tetris Woman
You build up a wall, just so it can fall; a never ending game for your own amusement. Why must you drown in your own tears? Is it the years of fears? What’s going on behind those eyes, and between your ears?
Have you ever seen a cold, wet terrier? They paw at the door like they’re being chased by the devil. You open the door, and they fly in, wriggling and shaking the rain off their back like Bob Ross’s paintbrush. Then they inhale a sip of water and scratch at the door to leave. What’s the hurry to go back into the rain?
I feel like these creatures are overstimulated by their environment; tiny animals, scared of their own shadow, barking at their reflection in puddles; it’s not their fault that they were born with this energy. With a surprised yip, they paw at their reflection in the water, disgusted at the animal that stares them back in the soul.
With its mouth open, and little teeth exposed, the terrier has a look of fear and joy on its face; a face frozen in surprise. The terrier puts on a mean face. Grrrr. It stares itself down in the mirror; its eyes keep darting around its face in the mirror. Does it recognize itself? No, it barks at its own reflection again. Woof! Stop looking at me! Bark, bark, bark!
With each outburst, the terrier shakes its chickenlike mowhawk tuft with a fury that rivals the African badger. The creature stays up all night buzzing with energy, so close to defeating its own reflection. Finally, it passes out in front of the mirror; exhausted from a hard day’s labor.
When it wakes up, it takes a nice long stretch, yawns, and opens its eyes. It catches a glance of itself in the mirror, and the puppy begins to cry.
Mirror, mirror, on the wall,
Why do you get up, only to fall?
Stand up, and be tall. It’s only the 3rd inning, and it’s time to play ball.
