like a game of
Jenga, or Operation
like the careful restructuring
of a house of cards
how to
delicately slide
the desired shape
out of its current position
and into the one
I choose?
it’s absolutely essential
to have a steady hand,
to avoid upsetting the harmony
must not startle,
or cause alarm
she is nestled ⠀
comfortably
into her little nook, ⠀
her home
if it is indeed possible that
she might be moved by me…
then I must proceed
ever so gently, deftly,
with the greatest
of charm and tact
otherwise, the whole structure
could come tumbling
down
one must be debonair,
unhurried, poised, skilled,
perhaps even a bit
devil-may-care
for a handler of cards,
the appeal of the card
is what strength she brings to his hand
does she make for a
weak pair of twos?
or does she complete his straight flush?
does she make him look and feel
like the winner of the game?
but the card herself,
she is far more impressed
by the manner in which
an adroit dealer is able to
adeptly and confidently ⠀
handle her
expertly positioning her
without her necessarily
noticing
she wants to feel
safely controlled,
lovingly held,
as a crowning
symbol of
fulfillment
and fruition
but if the Queen of Hearts
is yielding…
if she offers some assistance,
some small help
in wiggling her out
of that lonely position
between the Three of Clubs
and the Four of Spades,
then there’s hope
and I will keep that card
always
up under my sleeve,
right next to my skin
©2025 Kevin Trent Boswell
Kevin Trent Boswell 