Intrepid Belle

a
lone
ashen
cigarette
hangs like a minute
smoldering lamppost held between
flawless charcoal lips perpetually pouting; puffing
drag after drag, saintly halos
circle her raven
hair with
smoky
grey
crowns

eyes
gaze
beyond
vague New Year’s
resolutions, she
earmarks pageantry for future
emancipations; crossed arms convey sheer attitude,
glares caution each discomforting
conviction—yet brows
visibly
invite
love’s
touch