Emma Swanson
french braid
fishtail
dutch, rope twisted, pull-through
four strand, waterfall
snake braid
and the girl in the headline this week is Not Afraid
it’s simple, two thick braids
and if i squint i look just like her
decorate with beads
and if i squint the red lipstick smears my mouth
there, you look beautiful!
and if i squint it’s my sister tugging my hair
tie gripped between pressed lips
plait braid lace braid ladder braid, tether my ends
until i meet you again
.
The Rocky Mountain Review 