Making It Up Poem by Lonnie Hicks

I have this deadly
jar, brush and blush
which applied
is called make-up

Such trepidation here;
I dip with foundation cream
eyeliner and brow trim
place in
my green contact lense;
hair filled out with
fall and curls
mouth plumped up
with mystery shot
red paint
24-hour guaranteed
and then my mirror
gazes back
an altered me.

I've just a little
push me up
under-wire
to lift and tuck,

and scents
swirl around my head
jasmine light
to accent the night.

My heels
make me tall;
my legs appear long
my smile is fixed
with whiteners
and straighteners.

My dress is
not low cut
but low enough
marble red
spaghetti straps
black bra
and panties
hose
full length

I am
ready
now
to find an honest man
of no pretense.

I know, I know
but understand
these are my armaments
the tools of
mating and marriage.
If I don't
they will
and I'll be the one
leafing through
magazines
at the grocer store
looking for dating tips.

Leave you not
misunderstand
some few
may do
without
any help;
but by definition
that's not
you and I.

You and I must
inch along
making it up.