Steady Thrill
Mary Winters
The novelty of smallness,
miniaturization -- cuteness --
can only hold for so long:
tiny boy in karate class just
bigger than a rat, so fierce he
must be shouted at to stop the
kicks at yards-high instructor.
The novelty of ease of access -- it
fades: new identification card
helping the barriers fall with its
serious but flattering photo,
rank writ large, thumb print on the
back; whole thing officially
laminated and hung suavely from a
dog tag chain. What doesnąt fail:
zest for a display of love. An
old love. Rolled out like a
silken carpet. Black velvet cover
removed from a heavy golden necklace,
the one with the remarkable patina.
