Standing Next to a Parking Meter with Quarters in My Hand

You were beautiful, next to a piece of crap art downtown

Beautiful, in a vintage dress that didn't quite fit

With a haircut you gave yourself when you were drunk

Everybody loved you

And you didn't know

You were so beautiful

And you had no idea

You were a rough diamond in the grass

Not much cleavage, but a perfect ass

Smoked your cheap red lipstick off, and put it on again

Grape-flavored lip gloss, a little sparkle under one lash

One of your winged earrings came off but you didn't notice

When you threw your head back and laughed

You smelled filterless and fruity

You made wild declarations to strangers

In your child's voice

Threw your arms around a parking meter

Kissed it as it expired

Everyone asks where you went

And when will you be coming back

Don't be sad for all you know and can't explain

Or all you don't know and listen for in vain

I found your lost wing in the gutter

I want to kiss you before you expire

Anna J Michener

7/29/2011