As in the schoolyard game,
he mocks
by his words:
"Guess what I have!"
Is this
just an attitude?
Or a devious inclination?
Alas, I go on wanting—
I'm quite unaware of
what is happening
‘til he shows
his closed hand—daring, provoking—
if it were loosened
I'd behold
desire granted— or so I
think, and torment
grows—it's surprising
my hopes don’t go up
in flames!
I wonder if this
is just an illusion…
I stare at the
closed hand.
The evil one dictates—
whether to laugh,
or weep, scream, or cry—
his nature erratic—
the hand opens...
empty!
2018
Rev. 2022
