It's 7 AM
I've been up since 5.
My alarm buzzes and I hear you snoring.

The usual routine
dress
black stockings
and boots
I coat my lips
with a blood dark lipstick
after blotting orange blush
on my cheeks.

Opening the back door
it's a little rainy
I enjoy it when it rains a little
a lot of rain can hurt.
with lighter and cigar in hand
the cherry forms and I inhale
and exhale smoke.

The tip of my cigar gets
stained with the blood red
from my lips
I rub and rub to try to fix it.
To no success.
There's now a stain on my fingers that's a pretty color.

I leave it there.
Like a small touch of rouge
proof some things deserve to stay.