Destiny

just learning

then

I bought a

well-thumbed guide

for a dollar

and in charcoal, began

the one with

the exaggerated jaw and

strong brow

came alive in

my hand

somehow and I

tucked it away in my

closet in that little space

my hiding place

and so you seemed

familiar when I first

saw you, shoulder pressed

against the hallway

face partway in shadow

and it wasn't until years later

cleaning out my childhood room

that I unfolded the sketch

and smudgy though it was

recognized your face

and fell in love

all over again