Because who needs segues …

I was thinking of a trip I took to a planetarium once, a very long time ago
I remember the luxury of the upholstered seats
how far they reclined
the intimacy of the darkened circled space

Do you know the word orrery?

Wait, what?

No.

What?

How am I?
It’s been a while.
So let’s say I’m fine.
Maybe I am fine.
Yes, as far as you are concerned
this is fine.
I’m fine.

the words aloud
ring untrue

or

I’m just as I have always been
something less than fine
perhaps a bit worse
more
a little sadder
duller
smaller
more bereft
the contrast between truth and wanting
a bit starker
fear runs deeper
thicker
coarser
through my hours
these days

That’s not down to you.

No, nothing to do with you.

You haven’t even been here.

What?

I’m glad.

Disconnect suits you.

You’re here now, though.

Yes, I see.

so

Turn the sky and name the points of light
after the holes in the fabric of the universe
through which we’ll spill.

I’ll run my hands over the black velvet
of soft broken gears.

What?

No, I’m fine.