We keep our illusions
safe in jars,
lined up on shelves
floating
in colored liquid:
a science experiment
perhaps abandoned,
more likely gone
terribly wrong.
Easy enough
to leave the room,
not look back,
but you'll know
they are still there
staring at walls,
at nothing
at all.
I would take no chances,
run no risk:
strike a match
and get on with it.
Clear light and
open space await you.