Daae

I first noticed it in the way they offered me their hand turned down, nerves inward, fingers vibrating anticipating the cold that I never thought I exuded before

Then my hair began to build on my bathroom floor I guess the floor is mine now, not the marble I’m used to, but the basement is cozy, at least ever since I got rid of your taunting antiques

By Madilyn Hufford

And somehow, I missed the ball It slipped my mind and nobody thought to put it back I looked from the top of the stairs and realized my presence abandoned it

Defeated, I returned to my room and lit the candles that rose from the floor I threw my fabrics, broke my hangers, bent my rings, locked my door and pushed pillows in the pipes I could hear the new ingenues through

When the quiet came, I emerged and walked the rafters Tried to sing, only croaked I saw my reflection in a stray chalice and threw it down in disgust only to turn and see

There, at my feet, for my convenience: A shiny, porcelain mask.