Makeup
I settled in the similarity of both of us
because I knew that she would never call me ugly.
It was more visible than highlighter under the sun
that I was my mother’s daughter.
It was also clear that our bonds had open scars
but she covered it in foundation,
then sprayed over it with citrus perfume
so the blood could smell luscious.
Now, when I cover up a small imperfection,
I think of her.
When I wanted to venture out,
give my lips the same crisp lining,
she supported the idea of me changing
since she hadn’t accepted the fact that
she had too.
She drew around the face in the mirror,
denied and patted away the flushing red
brought on by the substance.
Now, when I put on too much blush,
I think of her.
She took me by the arm and led me
into a new stage of girlhood
to make up for the ones she missed
or forgotten-
bought warm toned palettes to replace the sunsets
we watched from opposite homes.
But this time I left under the assurance
that this would be something we could do together
but now, it’s just another thing
that makes me miss her.
I was left to scribble on eyeliner
by mapping out uneven wings with tape,
putting on the layers like I had seen her do
so many years ago.
But memories of her didn’t feel the same
and the cosmetics just exposed my pain–
the mascara running down my face
because of a broken promise.
Now, when my tears turn black,
I think of her.
Now, I’d say I'm pretty good at makeup.
My mascara is waterproof, I can make sharp wings
that sometimes I’m convinced I can fly on
all the way back to her.
Every once in a while, I draw stars on my lids
and stick gems to my face
with a glue that I thought we’d always have,
but I refuse to make up bonds that hide those unhealed scars.
Now, when I get ready everyday and see those scars,
I think of her.
About the Author:
Haven Simmons is a junior Literary Arts student at Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts. Haven has been published in several anthologies and recently won the Lehigh Valley Press high school poetry contest. She is a regular open mic contributor to several local poetry societies in her area and is looking to pursue creative writing for her college studies.
Comments