feeling like Rita Hayworth
except less tortured today
feeling curvy and sleek
flowing hair
shielding an eye
a curtain boys want to part
smiling wide
quick with a tune
or a dance number
maybe a striptease
but later
feeling the glamour
the old studio system
with life’s details worked out
just waiting for direction
feeling less in-progress and more complete
like a character and not a caricature
I don’t need glasses right now
less harsh reality, more soft focus
personality hiding behind an icon
face made up to hide weariness
woes set aside while the show goes on
pretending there’s no loneliness in crowds
none of that matters today
as I walk and hips sway
with purpose and beauty
with lines meant for artists to devour
feeling a bit like Rita today