Strangers on Television

last night i thought i heard you talking to me 
learning how to be a friend from strangers on TV 
blugeoned ears unable to listen to your hawking at me 
barking at me 
taunting me 
finger swirled in mouth. 
heroically bowing out. 
hand on stomach, head turned down. 
gracefully. 
looking for your face in flesh 
but only finding it in objects, 
in things. 
in waves, 
in strangers on TV. 
and sometimes i'll find your smile hiding out, 
in the corners of their mouths, or in the way they fold their hands. 
slightly and soft so that they don't disturb the fabric of their clothes. 
theatrical gestures to keep the peace. 
the negelcted tenure of my chest that reminds you of me.