bad luck

when I walk down
the stairs
to the basement

– pitch
black panic –

and yours

are the hands
I fear
most.

I am
a test animal
in a wire cage
until my fingers
grasp the chain

and I pull –

– illuminating
a reminder
that you are far
away and no
matter how
much wrong
I do

I am safe
from your
disapproving gaze.