the postcard

the postcard
is from france
you see by the stamp
on the back.
on the front
is a Picasso
painting.
trombones
and cellos,
squared women
naked
with detached
elbows. muted
greens,
bottle blues.
it says, are we still
friends. B.
no love,
no I miss you
sweet prince.
no tender thoughts
of any sort.
just a question,
are we still
friends.
you turn the card
over, then again.
it makes
you smile and nod
yes towards
the sea.