Little Men

Little Men

The mannequins

are going

back to school

we give them books

and desks

at which they pose so

many questions

They, of course, have

all the answers too

it's in their eyes

thick wire lashes

like spikes

atop Ms. Liberty

They do not hear us

our watches move

too quickly, but they're

in league

with walls

the isles

the plaster

dogs and cats

of summer

the crumbled

Styrofoam

of winter

Those who pose,

their confidants,

alone will know

just when to order

that new foot

or hand

which wig will work

to best effect

the fitting ethnic

tone

And when they have been left

in pieces there behind the

storeroom doors,

relics

their eyes will still

be open