A Room Full of Bottles, Leaves, Flung Clothes

Kristine Ong Muslim

something must always clink and crunch
in an empty room to make up
for the absence of its occupants

something must always linger
even as intangible as the weight
of a shadow or a laughter

A theory

Kristine Ong Muslim

Take note of the way the mirror
frowns when you look at it.

It just might tell you the truth.

Wind Dance

Kristine Ong Muslim

Her blessed shadows trailing,
she shifts to swivel and fill
the smallest of spaces.

No need to chart out her life
on maps and compasses
and laminated plastic cards.

She has only her journey to contend
and her destination to endure.
Everything else moves along with her.