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They don't know you yet but
they will soon be familiar with
your smell
your habits as you twist your hair
pull on your bottom lip
sigh, yawn, rub your eyes.

They will learn the weight of your
palm, your fist, your elbow,
chin-in-hand
and will bear the round
benediction of your coffee ring.

They will inherit the dust
of the erasures
of things you deem too shameful
to leave upon their faces, they will
gather the notes
of the songs you didn't know you knew
and sing them back at you.

They will stare into your face
so long, and as you return
their gaze
you will learn to see
many new selves within their blank aspect.

They will sometimes mock you.

They will be your most pleasing lovers.

They will always
drink your tears.

© Nancy A. Henry