laid out so neatly
an artist’s palette
colors
a puddle under a tiny brush
with pencils to match
clatter-chatter on the bureau-top
they ask
“who will you be today?”

ready to paint
on fresh canvas
a face
a painted mask
no flaws
outlined reflection
of vanity
Perfection
no flaws
no spots or scratches
or missed patches
in this portrait
of youth and beauty

eyes outlined and
smiles and frowns
stained red with Desire
pleading
Screaming
Look at me
I am perfect
Look at me
no flaws
no
a painted mask
to hide behind
Look at me
my painted mask
flawless
hiding
a calculated smear
of pigment covers up
what you don’t need to see

but
don’t meet my eyes
unpainted
they cannot hide
behind my mask
Look away
but look at me
Look at my mask
not the eyes
Please

don’t look at me
Look at my mask
perfection
Look at my lies
no flaws
Look at my mask
hiding

Please

you can stare
at what I want
you to see
but
don’t look at me
at who I am…

don’t look at the mess
that I’ve become