You can pretend
That the black gloss
On my lashes
Will glue my eyes shut-
Make me blind to truth;
To ‘true knowledge.’
Go ahead.
Tell yourself
That my red-painted lips
Only spout nonsense.
It will only make it sweeter
When my wing-lined eyes
Give you whiplash
as I walk past you
To get my degree;
My award;
My paycheck.
Maybe if you’re ‘nice’
I’ll buy you an ice pack.

Your eyes never lied
Though your smile did;

Often.

Your upturned lips
A sordid grin
But your eyes;

Haunted.

Flashing teeth
Bright and white
But your eyes;

Cold.

Your eyes never lied
But your smile did;

Often.