The illusionist
You said the magic was gone.
I was wrong
To sit wide-eyed and entertained, awed
For so long
.
No mystical charm exists.
It’s only tricks,
Illusions I insisted on believing
Bereaving supernatural fancies
So exquisitely performed
Watching you pull helpless animals from hats
And this fool dared clap?!
.
Snot soaked hankies turned to carnations,
levitation,
pick a card any card but hearts.
And I knew when you,
Pulling silver dollars from my ear,
How clear, my dear, it was a fraud
but I was wrong.
There’s slight of hand,
And then there’s slight of heart.
It’s hard to tell the two apart.
.
Introduce the final act:
Saw the woman in half

Punishment
There is only punishing when one allows it
There is cruelty, yes, and discipline
But thoughts cannot be controlled.
It is a choice to suffer;
An invitation to pain and perhaps contrition
That must be accepted.
Destruction and assault are tangible, sensed
Though the power is lost
When cheeks are turned.
Licks and shocks may not coerce
Confessions sought
Enemies kept close yield disclosure
Caring begets hope for real change
Punishment is only for the punisher.

House of Cards

