Why Should I Be Like You? Poem by RIC BASTASA

you there. Why do you watch me like a stranger?
you there. Why do you offer me silence?

look at your face in the mirror. It is very similar to mine.
Scars. Bruises. Pock marks of youth.
Black heads inflicted by time. Furrows of sorrows' ways.
Some spots, red and white. Little imperfections
Inherited from our ancestors. We say we are not happy.
These days do not bring us anything. Even a tiny flower.
We twitch. I flex a muscle on my chin.
You bet, we have many things in common now.
I am speaking to you.

You there. Why are you smiling?