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.