reeking of a
shellacked level of artifice
her mocking faux laugh
reminiscent of a wheezing death rattle
or old fashioned saw
it hemmed back and forth
as she nodded
almost rocking
I cringed
held my breath
her gaze
a jewelers loop appraised
my hair, my shoes,
my lack of ornamentation
her eyes glittered,
her brittle mouth a condescending grin
she dismissed me
satisfied with my commonness,
turned away
I, relieved to have nothing she wanted..exhaled.
__________________
The Spoils of War 