i.
but when the stitches of his shadow snap, peter can't
catch hold again to save his life. dripping silver
shreds of self he turns, and his jaw is weak.

he reaches. he says, "please."
and oh! tinkerbelle always did have a soft spot
for lost boys.

ii.
she shows him the stars. and, as he sleeps,
retrieves his shadow.

iii.
come morning, his eyelashes glimmer
and flutter and glow. he awakens, he forgets.
peter is too fleeting to love.
he finds his shadow and declares himself
whole.

"but peter,"
begs tinkerbelle,
"you need me:"

iv.
her pretty pixie heart is torn to shreds.