A Woman's Heart

The heart of your woman is not so easily read
as your girl's. Wisdom and doubt are matched

rings, once a perfect fit, later feel tight, soon will not
slip from your finger, must remain with you

through the night. Once you prayed for his call.
Warmed by his glance you watch him. Balanced high

on a ladder, you twist crêpe paper streamers, tack
them with the heel of a loafer to the boys' gym

wall, a diversion that fools no one. Today, given
roses you hold them to your cheek, revel

in the colors. Coral and Cream. You smell
bruised gardenias from another bouquet.

You have learned, over the years you have learned
to smile with your lips and lower the lids of your eyes.

©Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Queen of Frugal Promotions and Poetry

Tracings from Finishing Line Press may now be pre-ordered. Go to http://finishinglinepress.com/. Click 2005 Releases, scroll to 6th row down. Janet Elaine Smith, author of Pampas, says, "I hate poetry that doesn't rhyme. So why, in a few moments does Carolyn's poetry have me in the palm of its hand? This poetry can work the same magic on anybody!"