Museum

this museum

of ancient displays

I’ve seen every day

since it was built

periodically, panics

are carefully dusted,

re-lit

and fresh blood applied

look, there are the words

placed by mother

sharpened razor fine

and left for a child’s

naked feet, an old remedy

against illness

in this metal case

father’s silence

a meticulous construct

of lies and ignorance

to prevent exit

except through

the gift shop

and these … these

are famous actions

and phrases left

by uncles and cousins,

friends and aunts

as donations

to insure

a living legacy

of life in distant history

and the survival

of these outstanding artifacts

this museum is funded

in perpetual trust.