victoria
sits across from me
with her hands folded
she doesn’t need to tell me
something’s wrong
the pain radiates through
her almond shaped eyes
and although her skin is flawless
there are scars present underneath
the surface
she speaks slowly
and in between each new sentence
she sighs, releasing from her body
enough air to fill up the diner we’re sitting in
ah victoria
victoria without victories
she informs me that it must be cool
to have multiple personalities
because you’d never find yourself alone
even if you actually were alone
victoria
she is modest,
yet straight forward
she is talented
but denies this fact
and yes she is beautiful
but this she does not see
be careful with compliments
she doesn’t take kind to them
she’ll either say you’re full of shit
or you’ve been misinformed
recent lack of sleep, bags under her eyes
bruises all over her skin
and scars on her wrists
she says she likes to see herself bleed
just to see what she’s made of
ah victoria
victoria lacking victories
scouring the city
looking for some love
you know,
the kind that doesn’t
make you plead
you know,
the kind that doesn’t
make you bleed
i tell her that’s impossible,
she tells me,
“nothing’s impossible”
she’s full of wonder
full of sorrow
ah, victoria
she knows pain
victoria,
you don’t have to remember the face
in order to remember the name
she never disappointed
always kept her promises
that was her way
ah, victoria,
victoria
now just a name
written in stone
©2000 josephine b. ciliento