Inside Laughter

The performance of my humility
is perforce a summitry of such pride
as I know to declare slippery snake
that squirms always just outside of my grasp

I assert myself since I must pretend
that I matter although I know better
at least inside every other think-wink
that clears and then obscures my folly's sight

I'm the invisible protagonist
of my words bright darkling acrobatics
I come and I go and never can stay
as I parade whimsy's stark nudity

I started out to be or seem severe,
inside laughter forbade me persevere