For J.

I was fixated on something small and unimportant

Your bruised nail
Your scratched arm
Your torn pants

You said “Please, look at me”

When I finally did
I noticed your hair and beard were gone

“How long have you looked this way?” I asked

“Always” you responded

I ran my hands over your head
and kissed it

I held your face in my palms
and studied it at length

I understood something true was being revealed to me
and it was important I pay attention