I have stepped away from myself
Left the vibrancy on the page
A meeker shadow
Stumbling along.
I have forgotten the words that came so easily an hour ago.
Left them babbling
Away in the corner.

There is pain now
Pain that creeps in
Takes away the bounce
From my steps
And tears.
I don't like to admit them entry
Yet they exit from me
Fill my lungs with breaths
And empty out
Hollowing.

An hour ago I was full of colour
I affixed the mask and touched up the make up
Made good the fraying edges
Yet now they are undone again
And I worry at the strands
Unplaiting and teasing them looser

I have stepped out but for a moment
Paused to play with the old black dog that trails at my heel
Just a moment
A pause
A breath

One short walk with my old black dog until I can step back up
Tell her to heel, sit, stay
I will stand back up
Adjust my hair
Allow my reflection to smile
Set the shoulders square
And continue.

But for now, I shall pause awhile,
Feed the dog