Lori Izykowski’s most recent poem to appear here was Spring Snow (April 2013).

Strip Tease
By Lori Izykowski

Peeking from behind the shroud
The world functions around me …
Without me.
Peeking from behind the shroud
Glimmers of things I cared about
Things that made me smile
Peeking from behind the shroud
An exotic dancer
Teasing back toward “normal.”
Peeking from behind the shroud
Wondering how long it will take
For the shroud to lift or fall away.
Peeking from behind the shroud
Straining to see beyond the darkness
A morning of simple tasks.
Peeking from behind the shroud
The dance comes slowly to a close …

The shroud drifts to the floor.