Today,
I know the perimeters of my life
By what's lost.
By what has fallen off its edges 
into (an) eternity.

I'm going to a party 
without you.
I stand in front of the mirror 
to become myself.
But
She looks much more like me 
than I do.

enter 
and I'm 
twice removed 
from them 
from myself
so how to avoid 
speaking
in a tongue of loss.

                                                                  I'm fine
                                                                  thank you.

Insertions:

Fine
Good
Great

I'm great
I'm good
Thanks

Great, thank you.

And the only way is up
The only way is up

the unfairness of it 
shatters me
stops me dead on my fee 
mid dance 
with a stranger
i promised not to speak of this tonight
i know the human truth 
that everyone fights
but why do they return to life 
(every morning)
just by opening their eyes
when I am on my knees 
to please 
get one glimpse 
of an every-day?

(I know)
The only choice I have tonight 
Is to take the long way home 
Pack my (reticent) language 
in my handbag
smile
make an (appropriate) excuse

                                                                   Just tired
                                                                   Yes, from work