Amber-tinted lights blaze in a row
Watching girls come and watching girls go
Fishnets, high heels, and lashes by the pair
Without them I refuse to go anywhere

The boxes, the barrels, spewing over with stuff
Even though only a fraction’s enough
Bras, tape, lipstick, and rouge
Half-filled lip-gloss bottles seep and ooze

Sequins, feathers, and hats crowd the racks
“Ten-minutes to curtain” echoes, as we quickly turn our backs
Grabbing the foundation, I lather it on thick
The lipstick, eyeliner, and mascara go on quick

And slowly the imperfections disappear
Blemishes and freckles gone without fear
Glitter by the pound and lattes by the case
Everyone falling in love with their brand new face

Ruby red lips and spidery lashes
Rubbing lotion on crinoline-caused rashes
Looking in the mirror, I don’t feel rejection
I finally see the results of painting my perfection