this one is more powerful, imo :) enjoy!

---

lipstick stains

on tissues

used for the

excess

the percussive

tap, tap, tap

of stiletto heels

as they hit the linoleum

floors

a spilled bottle of

nail polish

glistening green

dribbling onto the

tiles

next to the bathroom sink

the swish of a

silky skirt

cinched high under a

faded, vintage

crewneck

you look

glorious

jeers from old men

down the street

as the sunlight catches

your mascaraed lashes

the occasional hiss of

fag, fag, fag

as you find your way

home

the bruises you hope to

avoid

by taking

main street

rather than the

shortcut back-way

someone is

glaring

at you

and as you catch sight

of your reflection

in a glass window

you don't feel

glorious

you get home

tugging the earrings

out of your ears

washing off the

makeup

it was ruined by your

tears

the second the

door shut

anyways

he's waiting for you

in the kitchen

open arms

"i could've

picked you up

today"

you scoff at his words

"i'm just fine"

he watches you

silently

wary

wary of the day when

you will not be

just fine

like that one night

in june

with the rainbow

pin

on your tote bag

when you came home

bloodied

and bruised

yet you didn't back down

like so many others

you are who you are,

fuck the consequences

and you looked

glorious.

you are

glorious

to all those who read this far—

how long did it take you to realize

that i was talking about a boy?