Background

Why would it be a picture
of yourSelf when you were blonde
and innocent ---
that you stare at every day?
When I comment, you point at it
with shaking fingers and let out
a forced laugh.

In the blurry picture,
your hand is outstretched;
you are, I think, asking for something
with an expectant, shiny smile ---
your eyes are brilliant in your childish face,
they stand out like stars against your olive baby skin
I can still see the stars
in your eyes
today.

What were you asking
way back then in the picture?
Who were you reaching for?
--- or does it not matter ---

Maybe you are reaching out for someone
who loved you
once
Maybe you are asking
for someone to notice that the stars in your eyes
are fading.