Mannequins

What scared me most were the mannequins 

At least I thought they were mannequins.

If I squinted my eyes they looked like people

trapped in glass with jointed bodies.

I would stare so long with my eyes fixed

and swear I saw them breathe or blink

or lips curl into a grin with glossy lips

those beautiful ugly mannequins.

The clothes fit so perfectly these dolls

sculpted abs and perky breasts

with lifeless stares these plastic monsters

see my fear and my curiosity.

I could shatter the glass between us

cut off a head or arm or leg

but not a drop of blood would spill

and they’d be back together by morning.

Why do I look? Why do I stare?

Do they hypnotize with painted eyes?

The terror is wormwood on my tongue

a lovely poison that kills me.

Come alive you mannequins I say!

Off your perch and follow me home!

Vanquish my palpable fear I implore you

to murder me with your bloodless hands.