If the world

were paper people

we would all come

in length, width, weight,

and varying degrees

of brightness.

If the world

were paper people,

some of us

would be filled

with words and images.

Some would end

their lives

covered in dirt,

or sopping wet.

Others would be bound

tightly with colored ribbons,

until they were ripped asunder

when their use

had come to an end.

If paper people

were the world,

some of us

would strive

to become cardboard.