Aphrodite

I’d seen one before, on the discovery channel, under
a soft lens, with an off centered focus and an
infrared camera. I’d seen one on the national
geographic too, long, placid and unrecognizable. I’d
seen the red-blue, standard issue, biology class
diagram. I thought I’d seen one. But these purple
avocado eyes and their Pinocchio nose are smiling
up at me and I know I’ve never seen one. His
delicate, devil head shrouded by dirty curly hairs,
demands my attention. Hello, his single articulation
whispers with a white smile. Hello Aphrodite