I’m not all bare ankles and pink toes
I’m not all wide-brimmed summer hats
I’m also patches of mildew and
Smudged ink blotches on a wallpaper patch
I’m not all yellowing wisdom on ancient scrolls
Not all sunbathing on warm stones
I’m also puddles on the bathroom floor
And the slinking grey cat outside the kitty trap
I’m not all sour cream and ripened peaches
Not all steaming cups of warm tea
I’m also ageing stalks and dried leaves
And the bitter gourd’s gutted seeds
I’m not all blue-laced velvet spindly dresses
Not all corsage on an enchanting night
I’m also darkened, cried-out, dried-up mascara
And the crumbling edge off a broken tiara
Blue Loft 