Out of the void and into the blank

[tom.d.stiller]

Out of the void and into the blank

I could have lied to you, and easily.
The stage of virtuality allows
A hunchback to stand tall, a colored man
To show a face as pale as Scarlett's, or
The fat girl to display a slender dance.
The shy may show sheer arrogance, the bold
My sing as tender as the nightingale.
A mockingbird may mock the song of larks,
And Romeo as Juliet may appear.
Your age is nothing, still less is your name,
Your partner's life can vanish, and your child
Can disappear to back stage realms, your care
Is nonchalance before the eyes of those
That act with you, or just around the stage
Are loitering, and all your secret tears
To them are nothing but the laugh you give
Away, they linger at your door, they fall
In love with you, or so they say to you,
Or even do believe it by themselves,
They'll pick you up as lightly as they toss
You down again, and if they care you never
Will have a single reason to believe.
I could have done all this to you, and more,
But I preferred to be myself on this
Postmodern stage of vanities and lies.
I never did pretend that I was rich,
Or young, or looking, never said I'm free,
Or perfect, or a lover out of Space.
I stood among the fairy crowds, my name
Just slightly hid reality, a mask
As transparent as glass can only be
When it is clean and neatly polished, I
Gave easily away the truths of Life -
Be they poetical, be they mundane -
And tried in foolish ways not to inflict
The slightest pain, and maybe hurt thereby
Unknowingly, when tender spots I touched.
I opened up my face and gave a smile
As often as I could, and I was there
In case you'd need a friend you could cry to.
While others lied, and kicked, and cruel deeds
Performed, I could have done all this to thee
But didn't, and find out you did to me.

t.d.s. 29.12.2000

[lizzytysh]

Dear Tom ~

Your integrity and pain emerge, fluid and palpable, both scathed by the realities of this virtuality. My heart goes out to you for a time that clearly brought you sorrow. I'm sorry.

~ Elizabeth

[witty_owl]

This cyber realm is a strange new ground for relationship. As insubstantial as a dream. I shall return to consider this one further.

Regards Witty Owl.

[Byron]

Tom, 'trust' is a four letter word. And as elusive as the mist. I'm amazed that you got through this piece (pun intended) without using it, because you didn't get through your peace without losing it.
Byron 'sends his regards'.