Elizabeth Gomez: Russian Red

I wear red, a fierce blazing red.
Not because I want you to notice my lips,
Not because I want to be kissed,
Because I’m a warrior, a fighter,
Someone not to be messed with.

I twist the stick,
Spread a fire across my lips,
From an easy nude fleshy brown
To embers that won’t be calmed down.
My weapon, my shield.

Chin to the mirror,
A kiss and a wink.
A wide toothy smile that reaches
From cheek to cheek,
An emblem of strength illuminating me.