Ruler
I was born too early and too small like a ruler my mom used me to measure the coarse muslin she embroidered with red flowers, words. I was happy walking beneath the table upright without having to stoop at times mom left marks of discipline when I’d forget to call out and she couldn’t find me in the house. at school they forgot about me in the gym among the balls since then I’ve rolled along in a dizzying game... I was born too early... I am small, like a defect-effect of perception I sneak with ease among objects and people like a good joke I play hide-and-seek with a man tall as the moon. when I close my eyes at night I grow up instantly, seeing myself a child happy to hang on the carpet-beating bar with no pain or preparation it is a good exchange of images with the past mom drew me on a tiny broken corner of a book page she made me as small as two lines on a ruler so I could fit I have grown some since then... ...