:garam masala:
cosmeticless
she'd known no glossy ads
like we
but knew
how to retain attention earlier
in the playground
earthyspice
before her neck and cheek and ankle
darker skin
hidden kisses
boys longed for, she received
sweet and exotic
before twelve
already was this poignant breeze
but we, artificial
would try
vainly, masking our shamefullyless selves to
imitate her.