an arrival, we see
controversial, with hints of chicanery
the tactician deceives whomever they please
this image reaches far beyond the optical limits,
and paints this story’s next scene
here, we have potpourri; its aroma saturates the tent
a ventriloquist works to intrigue and enthrall
the children sit idle
the adults scratch and squirm
the dummy’s mouth flaps
entertaining them all
its plastic teeth speak superficial words of jest
speckles of insight hidden beneath
next, we have intimacy
at least, the kind that we dream
precisely the kind that he dreams
…oh, that’s her
we fail to understand our own thoughts
and yet, we find…
the perfect discovery
the perfect illusion
and so, the cycle begins