Compliments

I want to turn pink for you
I want to become a string of pearls around your neck
when I put my arm around your waist--I mean,
I want to compliment you. Don’t let me get carried away.

Most men have trouble knowing
how to decorate themselves.

You brush your hair
in a second hand mirror wearing a cotton robe and I
sink my face into you and
this is how I become
beautiful.

But no, not just like that
I am not some piece of burnished metal
and you are not a piece of glass that displays me

These are my arms with their several small cuts and
ant bites that have become cuts from scratching
These are my eyes with the scar on the bottom left
lid and the few missing eyelashes
These are my hands and they are good at ten or twelve
things and I could show you
but mostly it’s just nice to have you back
so let’s just lay in the dark for a while

maybe I could put on some music
I appreciate this new way you touch me

Make me blush.
I will turn pink for you.
I will repeat the five syllables
of your name under my breath all day
and this is how I become beautiful

but no, not just like that