Do I have to unbend my curls

Raise my hem and the roof

For you to see who I am

Lower my neck line and my standards

Color my affections gray

Like your attitude

Is my smile not bright

My fingers unfolded in the region of two lips

That bloom, so often out of season

You wonder why I don’t say hello

You wonder why I shy away

With thoughts behind my back

And avert my eyes

And my intentions

In trembling silence