Fragile

by Harold Sikkema


This card
A sort of consolation prize for all that corrugated board
which will today be torn to pieces, 
discarded.

Carbon-based vessel 
for the plastic gold we're addicted to,
bearer of a name befitting contents and contenders:
"FRAGILE".

I, 
gadget-fascinated human
encased in furrowed skin, the target of this 
epithet.

And yet, 
when children play
with the wrapping rather then the wrapped, there is 
hope.

I superimpose 
glitter of sunlight-shards on a baking sheet
to accompany advice about food:
"store in a cool dry place",

And on this day of questions,
I seek shelter from my violent greed. 
A stable should
suffice.