The Silhouette

author’s note:

Who among us is not mysterious?


THE SILHOUETTE

At the new year’s party
the host dimmed the lights
just before midnight
so when my friend turned
he saw only a silhouette
at the other end of the hallway—

a shadow stepping his way.

Then when the lights came back on
he found a plain open face
peering into his plain open face.

That face soon became part of his days.
A good face
because it belongs to a good woman.

But when seen every day
the good can begin to seem ordinary.

So in time my friend lost sight
of what he first saw
when he first saw her that night.

But fortunately for both of them
he soon woke up again—
brought back, I believe
by the god that steers from within:

While mowing the lawn
late one afternoon
that good man turned without thinking
and found her shadow
standing at the window.

In that instant
he remembered that midnight silhouette
and his eyes opened again.

I’m happy to report
he has not forgotten the truth since then.

mythsteps · The Silhouette

finding Beauty: poetry book
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© 2025, Michael R. Patton

Symbiotic

author’s note:

I never lose my empathy.  But sometimes I manage to ignore it.


SYMBIOTIC

When you see me, you see my wounds
then feel my wounds.

then try to soothe my wounds.

I know I’m the only one who can heal those wounds.
I’m not done trying.
But the long tedium of the work tires me.

So I go to see you.

This deep diver needs to breathe
at least once week—needs
the relaxing empathy of our Sundays.

But I’d just stay home and watch the game
if I didn’t know
I soothe your deep wounds too.

mythsteps · Symbiotic

Poet, Heal Thyself: poetry book
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© 2024, Michael R. Patton

The Truth of You

author's note:

Years ago, a friend told me, "There's no such thing as a simple human being."

Those words have served me well.


THE TRUTH OF YOU

When I see you

standing there
as if simple--

displayed succinctly
from head to foot--

smiling
as if you're plain...

the possibilities
seem endless.

© 2011, Michael R. Patton
dream steps