[Alexandra Baez]

Sam, yes, I've been undecided about the phrases that you cited and I was basically just hovering around waiting for a clearer signal (external or internal) as to whether to embrace or change them. You've just given me a cue for the latter. [Update: tentative revision posted.] By the way, what is PF?

As to "dilapidated," I think it's ambiguous as to what extent of disrepair this word refers to, but I understand that it can carry a connotation of dire ruin. I'd meant to convey paint peeling and rust forming, nothing more. I do like having a five-syllable word here and could be happy with one that's less emphatic. I'll be thinking. Thanks for your input! [Update: "illusion-bearing" or even "illusionary" might touch paradoxically into the metaphysical underlayer of this poem, but might be too much of a leap, especially the latter.]