Nude Female, Enticing Her Guests

The palette was all wrong, too many browns and blacks.

My hair, once copper, now sticks to my scalp, greased up,

an oily blue mess. A lit cigarette hangs

from my fingertips, though I have never smoked before.

I am nude, my legs splayed apart for all to see,

my breasts, two sizes too large, hang loose.

I have never been with a man.

I try to smile but he has forced my lips

into an open-mouthed pout; no teeth allowed.

When people pass by they gasp, approve of the artist,

his talent, before moving on to the next one.

And although I can’t speak, for he gave me no tongue,

I cry out in my own raspy voice,

eyes shut.



- 2015