One belongs to me
buried deep inside
blank slate &endash; tabula rasa
hidden for future reference.
         
One belongs in a dingy apartment building turned home
growing up it was a sanctuary
currently home to a band of delinquents.
         
One belongs to 88 black and white keys
kind old ladies
crinkled sheet music
crying for a means of self-expression.
         
One is carried around the world
in hearts of relatives I'll never know
loving unconditionally, unknowingly.
         
One belongs to a long-haired boy
knew how to feel, what happiness was.
That piece lies in the sheets of a water bed
and the remains of a cigarette box.
         
Another resides somewhere out west
holding lost dreams
and hopes of future adventure.
         
One is growing in the seed of a sterling rose
waiting to bloom
as I watch it slowly fade.
         
One belongs to a poet
who will never know the depth
of my admiration and illusion.
         
Another nestles in the flesh of my mother's womb 
before hatred grew from mere and complete similarity
         
One swims in the eyes of a child
falling asleep in my arms
reaching his tiny fingers to my own
placing a piece of himself
in my waiting palm.
Copyright Parna Mehrbani 1999