The only ones

I ever knew

you that have shown me

what I came to see

from the beginning

just as it was leaving

you that showed me the faces

in the realms of summer

the rivers the moments of gardens

all the roads that led here

the smiles of recognition

the silent rooms at nightfall

and have looked through the glasses

my mother was wearing when she died

you that I have never seen

except in a mirror

please go on showing me

faces you led me to

daylight the bird moment

the leaves of morning

as long as I look

hoping to catch sight

of what has not yet been seen

—W.S. Merwin