cast upon the canvas of Now and Memory, sketched within my past tense, she waits (still life) for me. a portrait of indifference masks a face I used to know. remote, she keeps her distance, always certain I will go. I speak at last, "Hello, again" she circles warily; then hides her eyes when tears begin, as I watch helplessly. fearfully, her arms reach out. "don't leave me anymore?" heart aching at the hopeless doubt in her whispered "like before". at once came comprehension, my head bowed, ashamed, i wept and gathered close my youth's reflection, dressed in years of self-neglect.