Empty Mirror

This picture is entitled “Empty Mirror”.

Empty Mirror

You're a twisted
little lick.

A fleshy little prayer
hidden in the
fingerprints
of absentee lovers
whose ethereal hands
trek lonely skin
seeking affection
in a beggar's cup.

fold-back; quiver
and burst

The change
in the tip jar
falls among
the broken glass
slicing greedy fingers
that smell of musk
and hopelessness.

Years later,
she buys a mirror
and tries to master
the fine art
of kissing her
reflection,
only to discover
that she doesn't
exist.