chiaroscuro

like Janus, i have two faces:
one looking forward with hope,
the other, behind, with regret.
naturally, i am often trapped in the present
and neither fore nor aft looks
particularly appealing.

likewise, my colors are somewhat blessed
with contrast.
the lighter tones are merely a paler gray
fluted with silver, over which shadows
of black and scarlet swirl tumultuously.
i carry both palettes tirelessly, knowing
i am blank, undefined, without them.

but who would treasure the portrait as a
whole? porcelain skin and auburn eyes--
each necessary to enhance the other.
i can only wait, and hope not to fade
overmuch with the passing of time.