# Pink Lady

> poetry · 2019-04-05 · https://chaleurmagazine.com/poetry/2019/4/5/pink-lady

---

A worm wriggled into my tender flesh
Breaking through my skin
Bruising as he went
I still feel him writhing long after our embrace
The emptiness created now full of disgrace

All ripe for the picking
It was me that he chose
Did I shine brighter?
Heaven only knows
Did I beckon him,
With the colour of my skin?
He clearly thought he was invited in

I must have been swaying in an enticing way
For him to besmirch me twice that day

In flocks you arrive
Callously
Judging our appeal
As you glance my way,
“Damaged goods”
I hear you say
Disapproval pierces my fragility
Rotting and ready
I free-fall,
Hopeful
Into a bed of grass
May my daughters fair better-
After I pass

Humming peacefully
An unwanted suitor approaches
Searching for cider apples
He encroaches
Plucked from solace,
Only moments spent free
Another man decides
How best to use me

**Sofia Martimianakis** completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at the University of Toronto and her MA at the University of Waterloo. She is currently continuing her education with creative writing courses and is working on a fantasy novel for young adults.

Cover photo by W on Unsplash