On the spotless mind

> The tilting of the head > > and the vacant eyes > > and then the most wonderful surprise > > as you laugh it off and try > > to disguise that you have no idea > > who I am or why you're here > > in front of me with a daughter by your side > > who says you've dwindled away > > until there is nothing left of you > > that you leave the stove on > > and forget to water the chrysanthemum > > so you laugh it off > > because she thinks she knows it all > > as you cover the burns on your hand > > and stare blankly at me > > for I asked a rather peculiar question