Contemplation of a letter to
Doktor Kelsey G. von Stranglehold
in a seeming centuries-old
conundrum of sorts

Of conversations thought better of-
talking endlessly of bondage and dangers untold
the ever-teeming pool of self-righteous mould...
drum-roll, please, while it works itself out

In discussions separated by
oceans and years, applause and jeers,
and blood-tinged serrated blades cutting tear-tracks
down cheeks of perfect strangers...

Intervening interludes spent in silence
juggling glass balls of multi-tasking hell
accused of duplicity amid tinkling laughter
acceptance of pointed finger with a simple 'mea culpa'

     Act One, Scene One
          Endless friendliness sparked by Joni
          Token affection passed to another
          Snatch-n-grab photography
          Challenge of loyalty to the tones of
          Unnecessary hara kiri

     Act One, Scene Two
          Questions of sexual history
          Denials of flirtation, insistence of directness
          Drowning in beautiful crystal blue
          Promises of sparkling white...someday
          Fantasia elephant imagery deigning privately
          Clear hope for mutual conquest

     Intermission
          Forest-cloaked deer marking tree bark
          Struggle for power; quest for flight
          Cleansing breath of smoke and mirror
          Cloak-n-dagger psychobabble
               ...and it goes on...

     Act Two, Scene One
          Awareness of ozone ripe and pure
          Evocative, provocative strains
          Swirling in Nile-style grandstanding
          Showcase of illusion, covering intrusion
          Honey words dripping from venomous lips

     Act Two, Scene Two
          Artistic interpretation of another
          Oblivious to contradiction
          If one is a pixelation, so is the other
          Not lent to reality when personal relation knows truth
        
          ~*~  
     
          ...Still see fit to debate based on visual appearance
          Without first-hand exposure
          Other than manicured fingertip of past life
          against life-long familial intimacy
          Left wondering why bother arguing?

     Epilogue
          Contempt expressed against
          Any counter matching defense
          More contradictions at play
          Seemingly invisible
          Despite plain light of day

When common sense isn't
truth shows her face
no matter the mask in place
no question to why

-at least in moments of pause-

.