feed the clear band of tape into the tape gun
mind the jagged spikes of the cutting edge
stand the empty shell on end, bottom side up
fold down flaps (whispering raspily against inside walls)
press the gun against the side
let the tape find its hold
pull against its gentle tug, up to
the upside-down bottom
lay it smooth along the seam between flaps
bridging the gap, forming a new surface
a new base, sturdy, that won't give out
won't open underneath and drop its load
with a bewildering crash into the unknown below
the gun growls, but not in protest,
readily reeling out adhesive
down the opposite side
now to apply the teeth, push them against the taut line
straight as you can
smoothing down the final tail
then lift, flip, drop the box
bottom side down
an upside-down drum
an empty room
four thin walls and a floor
ready to fill with whatever cannot be left behind.
