WHILE ON FACEBOOK

Today, while scrolling facebook, I saw your face,

a frozen smile, a captured place.

I stopped and stared, the world went still,

as if the photo could speak at will.

I looked at each frame, frame by frame,

and wondered if you felt the same.

I traced your fingers, your shoulders, too,

searching for signs, are you making it through?

Are you healthy, are you well?

Are you living in heaven or some quiet hell?

Most of all, is your heart at ease,

or aching in ways no one sees?

I zoomed in close on your tired eyes,

trying to read between the lies.

What story hides behind their hue?

What is it you’re not telling me, too?

And then I knew, though the picture is near,

it can’t bring your voice, it can’t make you here.

No lens can capture the truth I pursue…

Because what I’m missing

is simply you.