Orange Lipstick

It is too late now for daffodils

but their rings appearagainst melted snowheads hang heavy.Look, they are closing their mouths.

Mother’s Day was around the corner.I remember because we bought shoesfor the children that year

and a fish I didn’t want.Hallmark holiday anyway.Anyway.I got a few things for myself,not secretly justquietly.

Face turned toward the mirrorwaiting for him to come homeI smiled at myself.Was it a smile?Was I rehearsing?Would he like the showthis time?

Finally the door opening,a sigh, a greeting:

Why are you wearing that?You look like a crazy old lady.I was 39.Spring winters so early this year.I just shrugged, wiped my mouth on my sleeve.It left a rust shapedheart colored stain.