As I recall you,
You are so much better
Than the stranger,
Who stands before me now;
/
Your eyes are clearer,
Unclouded with regret, and
You smile so wide, so often;
Now – small and sometimes;
/
You are much younger,
Braver in your gait and speech, while
Today your sight chases the short
And cautious steps you make hesitantly
/
Tell me, who stole the face,
Which I was unashamed of?
Who broke the heart of steel,
Which never failed?
/
Who put you in the black clothes
You are wearing?
Who forced you to adopt the skin,
That shows no signs of living?
/
As I recall you,
You are so much better,
Than to be told or ordered
Anything;
/
I stare and stare,
And hardly recognize you,
The woman in the mirror,
Looking back quietly
/
As I recall me,
I am so much better
Than her, who moves her lips
Yet, says nothing