Making an effort

It is important now
To find out the
Half-squeezed tubes of foundation
To scrabble in the drawer
For dried out mascara
To look through the pockets and handbags
For the treasured pink lipstick
You have brushed and dried your hair
Ironed out the favourite dress
That you wore
Last time the sun shone
Your skin, paled out by winter,
Is scrubbed clean
Potions and pastes are applied
You pause
At the mirror
Dwell on the depth of shadow
Under your eyes
Pinch the skin on your cheeks
Like mother used to
Look for colour and paint it on
You are tired
Worn out by winter
By the sorrow of half promises
You carry yourself well
Paint on the smile
Look again in the mirror
Check that the make-up covers all
All the emptiness
All the sadness
All the struggle
The first sun of summer
And you are making an effort