Porcelain

My sister in law used to complement my

Milky white porcelain skin

She said I was glowing.

I’d ignore her and say

“My skin is just like my grandmother’s “

Delicate, pale, too easily burned.

Blond hair and fair skin don’t

Mix easily with

the heat of New Mexico summers.

That fair milky white porcelain skin turns

Beet red, hot and angry

In the radiant glow of that fiery ball.

No tan for me!

No color at all. Unless,

Searing hot crimson flashes from my cheeks

And sunscreen was not my friend.

Milky white porcelain skin

Often leads to increased allergies,

“hypersensitivity”

That’s what the doctor said

As I sat bare skinned

Radiating fire from within.

“Stay out of the sun” he said.

I am jealous of people

Rich with melanin

Glowing amber tans

Soaking in the glorious rays of summer.

Winter was no better

Sun reflecting upward

Off bright crystal snow,

freezing weather

Only intensified the burn.

Purple-blue veins

Clearly visible within

Milky white porcelain skin

“Makeup will help

Cover that”

Said the lady behind the counter.

“Let’s bring out your beauty”

“Urticaria, rosacea, contact dermatitis”

That’s what the Dosctors said

“Stay away from makeup and creams”

Milky white porcelain skin

Reflecting back at me from the mirror

Sensitive, delicate

Porcelain