Before the Show

5 a.m.
The iron door swings open. I am
released into night's cool embrace.
Venus burning on a queens darkly
velvet skirt.

A dress so wide it fills every corner
dropping over each man and woman
awake in this hour. Color is erased
no one can tell in shadows who is
officer or inmate.

Sky slowly dyes to Tiffany Blue.
Like the color of a gift you know
will be good.

Like the tiny flowers you forgot
planted by the open gate,
Forget me not.