We Come in All Shades

red—like Eve's apple held out in a fist,

the first temptation of a woman to a man,

the way you drew pictures for a project,

the wondering if you were a feminist or not.

*

orange—like dreamsicles melting free,

the flavors of citrus you can't stand,

the glimpse of flirty summer couples,

the taste in your mouth like a bitter rind.

*

yellow—like the taxi you took to run away,

the canary you saw caged in a pet store,

the shade of dresses you'll never wear,

the pall of smoke left on the walls.

*

green—like St. Patrick's Day mistakes,

the money you thought you wanted,

the emerald bracelet that fell apart,

the envy that nearly sickened you.

*

blue—like a fresh cloudless day,

the dye you wanted for your hair,

the slurpee that ate into your teeth,

the family pool that reeked of chlorine.

*

indigo—like a starless night at sea,

the paint you splashed across a canvas,

the shoes that always pinched your feet,

the eyes of a boy who never looked back.

*

violet—like a bruise that won't fade,

the first flower poking up from the soil,

the lipstick you may never wear at all,

the kind of girl who might turn heads.