Portrait of a Face in Memory

Her hair had been blonded and straightened
but fades now to dark at the roots.
Mascara clumps heavily on her lashes
and I spare a thought—
perhaps she should try a new brand.
I paint her irises 3titanium times
cobalt and a little white of shine
on her left cheekbone.  The lips are
coral today, top one curving up at each
corner.  For her teeth, I leave the canvas
bare.

I wish to paint the voice or
mold the sound from clay
when I’ve listened to its color
and deciphered its shape.