Like a Masterpiece

A Poem

Photo by USGS on Unsplash

did you ever look in a mirror
and see yourself the way i see you?

you glimpse those blemished eyes,
and you wonder who the stranger is.

you pinch at tired cheeks, restless,
as if you can’t marvel at yourself anymore.

you don’t know how i linger on you when you sleep,
when the light is gone and the shadows begin to collect —

and you don’t know how long i’ve waited on daydreams
waiting to be made real at last, at last, at last.

did you ever see the storm-swept sea
and think your sadness was the calling card?

you glimpse those cracked lips,
and you wonder who would ever see you.

you fuss with lank hair, lifeless,
as if you’re far from meaningful to anyone.

you don’t know how i crave your every single syllable,
drawn from moments big and small across the wide world —

and you don’t know how long i’ve walked through nightmares
just to see something concrete on this dying sphere.