What She Wears

lovely
the curl on her cheek, rings in her ears
the riot of pink she’s dancing
eyes outlined and perfected lips
it’s hard to argue benign intent
in such design
admit
this blush is part need
for recognition, even
a bid
for devotion

pity
the draped, hidden, lost
in a shroud
turn from eyes without usual context
how simple to assume a coercive
hand insists this upon her
while it might be
might be
freedom to be seeing
without the need
to be seen.
or a wish to dress
as devotion to her God
and what of we
moving through lives
lived long enough for habits
without decisions
consider the draping
of intellect, competence
professional persona,
the need for these seen

habits hold us in comfort
decisions insist movement along and-then
be gentle with judgement
could you leave beauty and pity
on the floor with your skin