vices

I studied your vices
longer than most;
they were flawless, really
well-constructed
and durable
with rotting wood
painted to look new

you inherited most of them
from your mother
even though she
wasn't quite dead yet

You tightened the screws
so that they didn't rattle
anymore
and it would be harder
to determine
if the noise came
from inside the room
or from an earthquake

A tour group
came through to see
your displays
wondering at the value
of your collection
like I did earlier

They stared at me
for a moment
wondering if I was
a paid actor
or an involuntary fly

I couldn't move,
but I wasn't trying
to leave
even though the door
was wide open
leading to the alley
with other offerings
that were far less
painful