When Shadows Don’t Match

My shadows
are supposed to stay
where they are put.

That is the law
of windows at night
and lawns when the sun
is tired.

Reflecting,
I must leave the darkness.

I will rip my feet
from the black socks
that connect me
to that distorted lie
in the carnival mirror.

I am not that girl.

I will put my socks in the washer
tumbling until
one is lost forever
and I emerge
clean.