Montezuma Red

Classic lipstick by Elizabeth Arden

Except for 'i' all vowels are present,
compressed into a promise – Montezuma.

Lipstick in hand, I scrawl a message on the mirror,
watch red double back meaning & intent.
Dream, glamour, allure – the antithesis of dull.

Aware of the stain's slow fade, the re-entry to shadow,
I renew the flare, the soft gash signaling
this way, not that, then follow my reflected flash.

Snow dusts my clothes. Reckless, I blot my lips against
a chilled windowpane. Step away ready to be looked at...

© Sue Moss