"Send Me A Picture" by Farida Mihoub

Don't send me the picture
that was taken when youth
was arrogant and restless.
I know that girls giggled
when they crossed your path,
and fancied to be in your arms.
You could pick up any one
because your smile invited
so many allusions in their minds.
Your dark glasses would make you
the most mysterious of all.
The tight flowery shirts
would raise the wild desire
to touch and caress you.
The wide black belt on your jeans
was like a magnetic door
made to open heaven.

Send me the picture
that was taken today,
as you woke up so tired.
I want to see your grey hair,
your white beard,
those lines on your face,
and your slow pace.
I want to see the trace of time
that was not always kind.
I want to see your eyes after
they cried and dried.
Send me a picture
of truth and knowledge,
of wisdom and reality.
Send me the picture
of yourself.

 

Farida Mihoub: Born and still living in Paris, France, 45 years old, mother of three. French is my mother tongue and English a passion. I am presently working as editorial assistant for a bilingual medical journal. I have been published in numerous e-zines and print issues (The Melic Review, Amarillo Bay, Pierian Springs, Niederngasse, Words on a Wire, Gloria Mundi Press, The Pedestal Magazine, The Red Lamp, Write On!, ESC Magazine, Reflections, etc.). I also write children's stories.