A young man seated at the piano
You are looking out at me in a photograph
It is me looking at me. We never really see
Ourselves, except in photographs where the
Mirror's reversal is absent.
Then we see ourselves as others do.
You were very young when the picture was taken
So was the piano. You said you were old
When you started lessone. Sixteen.
You'd laugh if you knew I was still taking lessons.
You do know. You're not laughing.
I've been looking at this face in the mirror
For a long time. I know all about it, though reversed.
All the imperfections, assymetry and
Funny little mounds and creases it has
As part of its topography.
Your older grandson missed a spot
Shaving one day. He said he had this little
Place under his lower lip
The razor couldn't negotiate.
I told him I, too shared that place
Although I didn't shave my face.
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