“A Mahogany Box”

​

It finally arrived.
Shipped in a hard, coarse,
cardboard box.
A small label hastily smacked 
on the cover reads in scrawling script;
“25 Park Street, Manhattan New York".

​

The box is near impregnable.
Rigid as steel, and only one weakness 
The tape.

​

The house keys clink distinctly
in the air as they are held to the box.
They drag athwart the smooth 
surface of the packing tape.

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Alas the box is open.
Beneath lies, yet another box.

This one although, is unique.

Smooth and glossy, shimmering
in the luminescence of the room.

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The finish is supple and fluid, a sharp contrast
to the cardboard that scrapes
and scratches against itself.

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And as the roof of the mahogany box
Is lifted, peaceful lullaby is played.
Serenading feeble ears, and soothing.
Easing the mind and body alike.

​

Dante Talamini, February 25, 2017