diamonds lie.
interpreted as
pinched
fallen squares

prim angels
their waxy wings
trimmed sexy
with contradiction

there is commentary
in the evidence
of transformation
or sales

as if I said
“I love you”
and was rewarded
with a bruised lip
or the consolation
of a plainish sister

settling creates differences
that are acceptable,
slippery, fashionable

a rose for the public, a
thorn for your solar plexus
frayed, soiled
margin notes
in an economics textbook

no black keys
or blue notes
to make you question
things like symmetry,
color, or grade

just this outward
spit-shine of
common coal
a few years on.

© Tom Watters  7/12/07