I AM

I have two faces:
one looking forward with hope,
the other, behind, with regret.
Naturally, I am often trapped in the present,
and neither fore nor aft looks
particularly appealing.

Likewise, my colors are somewhat blessed with contrast.
The lighter tones are merely a paler gray
fluted with silver, over which shadows
of black and scarlet swirl tumultuously.
I carry both palettes tirelessly, knowing
I am blank, undefined, without them.

But who would treasure the portrait as a
whole? Fading skin and deadly eyes-

each necessary to enhance the other.
I can only wait and hope not to fade
overmuch with the passing of time.