seldom what they seem

How often
do we attend the carnival,
without even knowing
We paid admission

to enter the high-pitched tent,
see the bearded lady,
and the man
who breathes fire?

Magicians are our brothers -
our sisters,
Illusionists;
our neighbors and friends.

Quartz masquerades as marble,
Scenes altered from filters.
People live the entirety of
their lives in deceit, thinking

doesn't the zirconia shine
just as brilliantly as the diamond?
But will soy ever satisfy
like a true, rare steak?