I saw you on a picture.
—And for a split moment,
I didn’t recognise my brain.
I programmed it differently.
For that specific task,
it’s usually set
to unpair itself
from my higher conscious self.

My standard policy is:
No empathy your way.

But today…
I could tell.
You seemed unwell.

Despite the damages done,
under your affection dictatorship
I didn’t rejoice.
I actually cared.

No trace of a mean smirk.
I really wished you the best.

Hope it reaches you,
written all over your face,
Next time I catch a glimpse
In some picture of a friend.