Paul dons a stranger’s face each morning.
A new stranger he met at the coffee shop
the day before.
With this new face he sees the world
through unfamiliar eyes.
The world appears simultaneously
known and brand spanking new.
This causes Paul a little disorientation
and loss of balance.
The sensation quickly dissipates
as he reassures himself
his backyard remains his backyard
the apple blossoms are just a day older
and white light breaks into miniature rainbows
when passed through the prism of a raindrop.
Each day he takes a selfie
while wearing the stranger’s face.
The image on the smart phone’s digital display
presents his face
but it always feels oddly not him.
copyright © 2021 Kenneth P. Gurney
Umflop 