Hallie

17

For Room 303

For girls with pointed toes
with expectations too big to fit in their palms
with toenail polish to cover the bruises

We stare in mirrors shaped like struggle
clothes skin tight, sweat stained
we pull our taffy bodies until they taste right
taste like determination
sprinkled with bitter envy
and the intense flavor of a promise
that tomorrow we will only be better

For girls with photo album eyelids
with postcard hearts
with wine stained memories

We walk under sherbet suns
bare legs bare arms bare sky bare soul
the time when late afternoon heat
blends into early evening sundown
and Market Square sits in lethargic bustle
we watch passersby
through these photo album eyelids

For girls who dance and cry
with mascaraed eyes that look into yesterday
with love to give and love to receive .