No Strangers

Is it selfish to gaze
at the beauty of your own face?
Countless raindrops contain the sun.
This is how we all fall in love
with one reflection.
Your eyes show ally and foe alike
how each heart sparkles
with the splendor of No Other.
Can you give a kiss
that you have not received
from your own breath?
Can you offer the flower
of imperishable Friendship
if its seed is not rooted
in the furrow of your missing rib?
Let the grace of who you are
teach you what to look for
in every stranger.
Now be honest, friend.
There really are no strangers,
only You and I.

Painting by Vigée Le Brun, 1786