Oxford’s synonyms for multiplicity
strain from my searching tongue.  

I’ve been disintegrating for years,
these organs long-since pooled  

beyond my larger flesh. & still
I’ve needed even less—                                         
                                           to be a liquid further  

from myself. Many friends describe
to me how the caterpillar turns  

to goo, their hopeful eyes alight
on the multiplying delight of easy  

metaphor. They encourage me a full
meltdown. & I can’t say I disagree.  

I see this self as an emerald cut—all
fifty-seven facets divided & running  

in water-green rivulets around me.
Some more synonyms for the long hall  

of mirrors: crown, hummingbird.
Now, I’m hoping, all kinds of papillon.