Mary Rodriguez

Multiple cones of cotton candy
dyed with black shoe polish
and molded into something
quite becoming
is how she styled her hair

Imperishable makeup
Jeweled black-frame glasses
Sparkly tops and matching slacks
Earrings, necklaces and bracelets
klinky, clunky and colorful

An opinion, harsh and ill-informed
An inappropriate comment, a saucy laugh
Coming and going, a smile, a greeting,
a suffocating hug, leaving behind
the carmine outline of her pursed lips