Work Text:
i watched you spend a lot of time building that statue.
it was your idea, at first, but others began to help
once they believed it could save them.
it stands tall when it's finished
larger than life
its form polished and detailed.
they stare at it in awe.
you're right there, but they don't look at you.
i'm not sure they ever did look at you, or ever will.
you feel me watching and turn to me. you wait for me to speak.
"i think the statue is ugly," i tell you.
you clench your teeth. "of course you do."
"listen to me.
i think the statue is ugly."
i don't tell you that i find my own works to be much uglier. i'm certain you know.
you're silent for a moment.
when you speak, stars fall from your eyes.
"i think it's ugly, too."