Pink

First heartbeat pumped pink,

At crown and at feet,

Womb wrinkling heat

Screaming, crying, cheeks flushed--

clothes blushed,

I am born and adorned

Wrapped in a blankie, then hushed

Cradled by palms, kissed on the cheek

With soft lips that speak,

“I love you, sweetheart”

Crowned with a tiara at two,

Dancing and laughing with who

Might be my friends forever

Twirling pink dresses

Our hair a mess, as

Ballerinas just beginning

Wanting “the pink sprinkles”

And strawberry ice cream--

A birthday dream

Blowing bubbles

Bursting with colors,

Red, blue and pink

Like eggs

Cooked by grandma

Using two ice cubes

Beside a bouquet of roses

On Valentine’s Day

Showing “I love you”

Or candy hearts

Plus sappy cards

Equal pink

Summer heat, sticky hands

Grabbing cotton candy

Made from scratch

Catching up to adulthood,

Pink luggage in hand

Journeying to a new land--

Pink only in my heart again.