old bones, older eyes,
all things cracked and drying with time.
a single incendiary word
lights layers of dust, dirt, accumulated age
into one bright burst of red.

when i am reborn, i want to be one of those women
who does everything with three inch acrylics,
darkened skin that reflects the sunset orange.

epiphany, destiny,
black eyes and sharp gaze.
rake me over,
i will start again.