These days I wonder if you
still see me
if I have slipped into the background
in this age of barcodes and two second definitions
I wonder if you
really see me
the defiance and mischief flickering in my eyes
‘I really see you’ etched in the wrinkles of eyelids
upper lip crowned with lover
and lower lip holds fighter
loud is etched into my tongue
If you could
still see me
tucked behind the acres of billboards and cellophane
blocked by twelve step improvements and two for one smiles
you would see
heaven and hell tattooed on shoulders
joining hands at middle of my back
where my desire lingers
fear lines my spine with perseverance at my waist
If you could
really see me
behind the pyrotechnics and flashy stunts
hidden by the layers of reality shows and shallow ideals
you would see
the image of my heart upon chest
cracked, splintered with “I remember” in middle
memories trailing along my stomach
meeting at the shadow of lust at my hip
If you could
see me for a moment
isolate my image from the masses
taking the time to provide understanding
you would see
force described in the contour of shoulders
weakness lingered under arms
rage bruised at elbows
strategy and deception collected at wrists
slave spelled in fingers
palms hold freedom
if you could
see me today
beyond superficial first meetings, trendy clothes
outside of dollar signs and expensive lifestyles
you would see
pit stop for morons branded on my inner thigh
sexual and innocence shadowed on the other
mother, lover hiding on knees
“to thine own self be true” loitering around shins
knowledge graced my ankle
while strength callused the bottoms of my feet
So I wonder
if you still see me
see the real me
the complexities, my depth
levels of intelligence, mysteries, pain, and fears
when you are standing across from me
