January 18, 1979

johnyaupoem

January 18, 1979

John Yau

So often artists have painted a woman 
washing, or combing her hair. 
And nearby is a mirror. 
And there you were, crouched in the tub. 
It was cold in the apartment.
It is always cold in winter. 
But you were brushing out your hair 
and singing to yourself. 
And, for a moment, I think I saw 
what those artists saw — 
someone half in love with herself 
and half in love with the world.