Mind Swap

Translucent pupils spiral down
your expanding cornea,
revealing the emptiness
of a soul sullied by age.

Are you in there somewhere?
There’s a sadness in your stare.

Your brain pulsates like a stopped watch
as you search for the time.
A vacant smile swallows my memories
replacing them with your pseudo sanity.

Are you in there somewhere?
There’s frustration in your stare.

My second-grandmother:
A black and white Polaroid vaguely developing,
split seconds of relief suspended,
swapped by the stranger who dominates.

Are you in there somewhere?
There’s a coldness in your stare.

Paralyzed by loss,
your haunting gaze returns
and I long for the exorcist
to release your captivity.

But are you in there somewhere…?

2010