I wish I had stared at your face more,
seen sunlight refract to coax your colors
at every turn of the day, your image
failing my memory despite years
of having thought I saw

I will imagine starlight in your eyes tonight,
the play of shadow on your cheek,
the dark hollow of your neck,
as if I nestle there

I regret not having shaped my life
to behold you

Chagall 2019