Girls

She guides my hand as I apply
that smoky smudge around the eye
and huffs contempt at my attempt
to style my hair just like she meant –

I let her lift my locks and fluff,
curls ends that were not curled enough.
She picks a pink to suit the cheeks
that shine where highlighter now sweeps

I slip into the dress she chose
and step in heels that squash my toes

She zips me up from tail to neck
steps close and I can feel her breath
and I can't keep my pulse beneath
the steady rhythm it should keep

it bucks against my chest until
I notice that she now has stilled
lifts up a hand to tuck a strand
of hair behind my ear – and

as if she could have heard my wish
upon my neck she plants a kiss.