Progression

Dark eye shadow—yes, I cried
Again last night (and how the world turned
Unsympathetic when I said it out
Loud). A smudge
Of black-turned-grey, encircling 
Rosy sclera—I am the martyr 
Mourning for the love of my life.

War paint below the eyes—a student
Learning injustice 
Only to oppose 't ten years later
With his knuckle-locked pen. 
Through darker contemplations 
At deeper night—clouds were 
Burnt.

Mere bruises
Tattooed around the eye sockets—
The sun-fear hermit did not dare. 
(What about the universe undisturbed?) 
He was
Deaf and dumb—and muffled his own
Cries in front of the mirror.

Dale Chou
2003-05-12