NaPoWriMo#13: Lipstick

Lipstick
By Justine C. Tajonera

I don't know why it matters so much,
pink, cherry-flavored moisturizing pigment.
Just can't live without it. Ingrained like don't
sit with your legs apart and shave. It comes
with the foundation and the blush and the heels
and the smile. It comes with the hint of lavender
or orange blossom on the wrists, the pierced ears
at birth or at nine, later on there's the ring on the
left ring finger preferably with a stone. It doesn't
matter what my greatest work could be. I need some
child-bearing flushed lips and cheeks, I need the
perfect cut for my rump, I need a glow like I'm hot
but not with menopause. Aphrodite, remind me, when
I do not recognize myself anymore, of Shiva and Gaea.

The Arrow

by Justine C. Tajonera

I am a goddess borne
on Achilles' heels,
I am aloft a zephyr,
blowing in one direction.

My body is poised
to fly, legs elongated,
neck forward reaching,
eyes focused and
unwavering.

This journey is my prayer.
There is no "then," only
a "there."

There is my goal,
there is my dream.
I am there now,
and I am an unfailing
arrow.

(Jan. 27, 2010)
Image from http://www.flickr.com/photos/24595035@N00/3877495004

Athena's Birthday

by Justine C. Tajonera

How auspicious to be named
for the goddess
and how wonderful
to have so much power
in a name.

Grey-eyed one,
patron of heroes
and philosophers,
the mother of
the olive
tree.

By your very
name
you hoist a bow
and arrow,
are dressed in royal
robes
and speak with
kings.

The love of your mother
and father
stretch you as an arc,
poising you for
the stars.

I imagine great
things in
your story.

Remember this day
and how you are
cherished.

(Jan. 18, 2010)

Image from http://www.flickr.com/photos/8204247@N08/2239021642/