Stage Prop

Laura Burke

I am 
the magician's assistant.
Every night on stage, spangled and glittered
I become
the white rabbit
pulled from his black top hat,
the Queen of Hearts
up his sleeve,
and the gold coin
behind his ear.
Then for his final trick
I turn
my head into the basket
he slides his swords through,
with blood streaming down my face,
I live
my greatest trick of all