The vermillion smile captivated me
As I saw the crimson shower pour
From his beautifully split lips.
Liquid roses dotted his blue polo
And his opponents’ wooden fists
Made more and more bloom.
I saw the painting coming together
As they brawled, splattering scarlet
Across the recycled tire mulch,
Along the length of the swingset,
And onto my black Converse
Where they dried into mahogany daisies.
I wore them home, showed them off
As symbols of my lover’s passion,
Then chased them through my life.
Searched for men willing to seed
Specks of carmine to sow into flowers,
Blooms to cover my shoes and face,
Rows to line my skin and heart,
Flecks of heart to shower me with
For there is no love without a little pain.