the ladies in the window
stare at me
in their jewelry and gowns
they never go too far
they’re best at breaking hearts
with sewn-shut mouths

they’re kept behind a glass
so people pass
and wonder at their sheen
i take a photograph
and laugh
they’re far from human beings

feel no pain
never worked a day
man made
yeah they’ve got it made
would they every know
a falling star
or the blood-sweet taste
of a broken heart

a steady stream of lookers
rubberneck
desire on their minds
envy of the aging mothers
and the lovers left behind
the girls behind the glass
are wrinkle free
and wear the latest styles
but damned if i’ve
ever seen one smile

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