Portrait (No 3) (Poetry)

It is a likeness — like and yet unlike —
there is another element revealed
a shadow more than shadow half-concealed
with substance almost tangible — a glint
of something seldom seen before — a hint
of otherness not truly true to type.

Chameleon before the camera’s eye
a quality emerges — close to fey
her questing gaze distracted darts away
her last expression on the point of change
its focus just beyond the viewer’s range
and curious — her knowingness caught shy.

A changeling child with an exotic face
whose human facets catch and turn the light —
her tilt translucent — layered skin tones white
are shifting veils uncountable — their blur
a softening which emanates from her —
defying definition — time or place.

And who dare name her — who can understand
all she is when such perceptions shift? —
her aura inexplicable — a gift
made powerful when photographs uncloak
a passing spirit — casually evoke
another nature by small sleight of hand.