Second song from the Anna d'A--- Museum

At this moment I am lying
stretched in a glass case, dried out,
catalogued.
I am item 373
in your collection.
You have painted this number on me.
(It hurt.)

You have placed me in-of all things-
your
      CURIOSA
      zone.
A neatly printed label
supplies key intimate details.

Each Monday you inspect me
as you bring your new friends
to envy your collection.
"Yes, yes, yes" they bow.
"Indeed a charming collection!"
"You have this, you have that."
"What a marvellous person you are!"

Then they admire me
composing in my case.
"What a lovely exhibit!" they say
"And may we touch, oh please?"

They stretch out their fingers to stroke me
but then they see your sign.
Smartly they snatch back their hands.
Did you say that I bite?

When your friends turn to go, however
I see something that they can't.
Already on their backs are chalked:
375, 376, no number, 377....

Dennis List