Shawn L. Bird

Original poetry, commentary, and fiction. All copyrights reserved.

poem- red lipstick January 1, 2014

A sales lady

rhapodized over my

red and purple shoes.

“I wish I had the guts

to wear something like that,”

she said, sighing.

“I always admire

great shoes on other people.”

.

I told someone of this,

and she said,

“I know what she means.

I used to envy people

who had the courage to wear

red lipstick.”

I smiled,

gazing at her scarlet lips.

“Do you feel super-powered

in that lipstick?”

Her eyes just twinkled in response.

.

We hold ourselves back,

from what will

make our spirits soar,

reveal our natures,

demonstrate our individuality,

because of what?

Fear of censure by dullards?

or

Fear of our own unleashed potential?

.

Embrace the tokens

of your power:

wear shoes that make your feet

dance in the street,

and lipstick that makes your smile

a billboard for your joy.

Be you

in all your

power.

.

(Thanks Julia, for loaning me the lipstick image). 😉