Mona Lisa (2025)

I’m starting to get back to where I used to be,

And I don’t mean feeling happy

Or like I’m floating,

But more like you were the only piece 

To complete me,

The final shading that finishes 

My minds melted oil painting.

Can I ask you one favor?

Can you blend my colors softly and lightly?

For I can’t remember or process who I was

Before they framed me.

I’m hurting…

You can see me at any time of the day,

Or Any night,

But when I try to look at you

All I see

Is the reflection of me

In this glass box that I am trapped behind. 

They tell me it’s built around me

To protect me,

But is that only after

I’ve been appraised?

And Everyone has already touched me?

Transferring their own personal oils onto me?

Or stroking my face, relentlessly,

Because they say I don’t look happy… enough.

They don’t understand that at one point,

I used to be,

But after being on display

Away from you for so long

How could you not expect 

My smile 

To slowly fade and be gone?

M.H. John