Collecting all of
the compliments,
the glances,
the well meaning
platitudes;
the want

Taking the pink
sticky pieces
of perceived value
pressing them,
thumb printed
and flattened
into your warm damp ball
of vanity
of gathered precious
feeling

Daily,
touching
pinching the surface
For a response
a reality check
& smoothing
smoothing it
like a being
an existing thing
a presence

Your need for value
outweighs
my words