Cry, Cinderella

Frayed edges of
Fingertips touch the head of
hair that rests at the base
of my throat
stroking
soothing
the head that rests against
my breast

such a child
that has spilled too many tears
bloodied crystals pierce
shattered dreams
once upon a time
too many times
and Cinderella has lost herself
broken the shoe
broken herself
hiding, crying
in her ashes

her faked smile is
trembling
soothing
and my listening ears
mean more than
the world.

11-29-03