=through the looking glass=

in this world where we strive
to be better or best
so too we dream
to be happy and blest

through the looking glass we see
ourselves as we are
but if you look closer and closer
until your lashes brush and
blink
across to the other side

where they be
without comparison or claim
to greater things or vainer fame
or happier days

in spring they live the same
as we do in spring; the same
days of cheerful or the same
days of pitiful-- all the same

when your lashes sweep against
the inexorable flow of glass
and your kiss fades into the air
they remain unchanged

in this world where they strive
to be better or best
so too they dream
to be happy and blest