FIRST IMPRESSIONS

You are a single fingerprint
on the doorknob:
the evidence of almost leaving.
Loops and whorls form a stain in
this room with
that door and
that doorknob.
The only forensic detail
that they'll find,
on the side of the doorknob,
in the last place searched.
A clear and honest fingerprint,
pressed down firmly,
definitely,
(Clear, but not clean.)

You are dirt:
filth,
the evidence of your oily presence in
this room with
that door and
that doorknob.
You were here, but the
balminess of skin
hung in the hair after you left
your fingerprint behind,
and though you are miles away,
no amount of polishing
will remove your imprint.
Michelle Zimmermann
< Previous Table of Contents Next >