Amy Schreibman Walter's poems have been widely published in the U.S and the U.K. Her first chapbook, Coney Island and Other Places, was published by Lulu Press in 2013. Amy lives in London with her husband. You can find her online at www.amyschreibmanwalter.com.
HOUDINI’S WIFE
He didn’t try to make you disappear
or hide you away - boxed, bikinied.
The others emerged from wooden chests,
dark places. Like butterflies, but dusty.
He didn’t try to make you disappear -
his departures were enough.
The others thought they knew him
while you waited out the months.
After absences, the joys of sharing baths.
No trap doors, no disappearing acts.
Beneath bathwater, black curls of his hair.
His body quieted then, under water.
His toes curled around brass faucets,
his fingers wet, wrinkling.