Magic Tricks

your gloved hands tugged at my waistband while the magic hat swept me forwards, and with that your trick began.

you placed me in a handmade box of splinters and jagged nails; trapped me inside with the click of a thousand locks and finally disappeared.

but you're a master of deception, an illusionist with no faults, because just behind that curtain you watched.

my hands bled. my words blurred into a scream. the crowd cheered as you emerged with another copy of me.

and at the end of your waistcoat, perfectly pressed and clean, dangled the keys meant to free me.