Versus

In this poem all artifice
is stripped away
but you are held under water.

In this poem you enter a mirrored dressing room
lit so that you look more beautiful than you have ever looked.

I recognize you with surprise.
In this poem you are by yourself.

Copyright Credit: Catherine Wagner, "Versus" from Nervous Device. Copyright © 2012 by Catherine Wagner.  Reprinted by permission of City Lights Books.
Source: Nervous Device (City Lights Books, 2012)