determined

she was unsure
if it was the
earthy undertones
of the patchouli & citrus
sprayed carelessly on winter breasts
the whiskey & laughter pheromones
still bubbling from
last night’s reunion
or the
warm vibrating hum
of her boot’s zipper
but
the screen door
slammed behind her
as if declaring to
the crepe myrtles and the bees
she is here
not dismayed
ready for it
turquoise and black
white hair beneath orange sun
red lips on white skin
quietly screaming
‘Universe
you will acknowledge me
and
applaud my existence’