A gimcrack is a creature red
In face, fish, tooth and claw.
Some say that it was born and bred
In low lands lost to law.

The truth lies somewhat lower still,
Yes, lower than truth goes.
Truth stands upon the lowest hill
And watches what it’s owed

But cannot ever have or hold
As life finds finest lies
To seed and bloom and then grow old
With gold scales and blue eyes

That peer from red as once was said
And must not be forgot,
For features here are in your head,
Their power in your thought.

Can baubles matter, can they thrive?
Can knick-knacks earn a care?
The gimcrack finds itself alive
As shiny nothings there.

Illustration by DALL-E in the style of John Bauer.