Bruised Beauty

I think I like you better with makeup
I dreaded the lipstick that hid your lip print
and the mascara that masked those intoxicating eyes
My brown skin has become stained with your color of insecurities
I couldn’t help but to think how could a concealer really conceal her
and how the truth of her beauty should just heal her
Oh my was I blind
Stained cloths of foundation lingers in the bathroom while trails of clothes are leading its way
Hours in the mirror leads to many whispers and you’re battling with the image that you see
not understanding that you’re not just any sistah
My views of you are simply “just not me”
Bruised beauty I wish you felt the love that’s forsaken
But its hard to feel when all you’ve ever done is give with no taking
I think I like you better with makeup
Because even then you don’t seem just made up
Like an ocean body you are full but translucent
For awhile the swift splashing of your waves has been my music
I think I like you better with makeup
Because you can hide your hurt
and then tell me stories about your unseen worth
I thought I liked you better with makeup
Until I realized that I didn’t notice you without it

(2015)