Like a great painter understands
beautiful portraits are erected
from layers upon layers of pigment
First decide the theme
then the composition
lay down the base and reposition
Showing up is not an easy task it requires costumes
a multitude of masks
It’s an initiation that so many face
stand up, look in the mirror, then take your place –
Wax, shave, exfoliate
Wash
Moisturize, foundation, powder
Eyes, cheeks, lips
Hair, eyebrows, teeth
Would you even consider me if I didn’t partake?
When I showed up on casual Friday in jeans and a pony
a meeting was called
without me
soon after it was announced that jeans were no longer allowed
I was a size 14 and it was offensive to the crowd
Of size 2,3 and 4’s
I can’t fit your mold nor your ideal
scrub the paintbrush and peel
Away the sickening requirements
My hair is big and fuzzy and has a will of its own
when I wore it natural
you said it was against the policy manual
you said things like, ‘oh aren’t we artsy today’
Man, when will I ever catch a break?
I can be your clown however you choose
you can dress me up and even change out my shoes
sexy, high, smooth, and sleek
I remember when I was just 19 and she whispered ‘hussy’
I showed up at work without the company issued
pale ivory hose
I took a chance and lotioned up my golden-brown legs
I’ve been trapped ever since like a real painting over a fake