Tonight the battle will begin.
But first, as the concealer smooths
across my eye folds, I picture her breathlessly
saying hello to him, always making sure to say his name
in that soft, hushed sensual way.
Some foundation covers my face.
I remember she had to have her picture
taken with him at the last party.
Next, eyeliner and mascara will help my green eyes pop.
The last time we ‘met’, I watched her as she leaned against him
for just the briefest of moments, after running into us
‘accidentally’ at the grocery store.
I draw lip stain across my lips to lush effect.
I’m recalling her touching his arm for a mere second,
her smile remaining, so sure she was of her victory.
Tonight, I have applied my war paint to best advantage.
As I check my mirror image, I am confident
I will win both the battle and the war.
Linda Imbler is the author of the published poetry collection “Big Questions, Little Sleep.” Her work has appeared in numerous journals. Linda’s creative process and a current, complete listing of sites which have or will publish her work can be found at lindaspoetryblog.blogspot.com. This writer, yoga practitioner, and classical guitar player lives in Wichita, Kansas.
