a woman i see on the bus sometimes - nov. 2011

wilted
like a moldy rose
fully bejewelled to
disguise the erosion (now a saharan face of talcum)
nails painted silver
magenta
face blushed as a doll
an art deco pharaoh
seeing through clouded
lucite lenses and
a
rotten
mind
she mutters gracefully as
a southern belle
stories of alcoholic uncles
and trips to california
and how
she recalls my wounded knees (ailment manifestation).
preserved in a baby powder
formaldehyde and floral
vials of perfume
lost in her head immortally
she remembers all but knows
nothing
she's dusted and singular

a curious ceramic knick knack:
intriguing
no value
obsolete