Poems from Elle's perspective

Compliments

I was full to the brim with compliments today.

For the young lady working at the fried chicken counter,
whose shorn hair was the perfect foil for
her laughing almond eyes and quick grin.

For the gentleman who dared to wear
a fedora with his three-piece business suit.

For the wahine who reminded me that
sequins are neutrals.

For the woman whose bright pink sneakers were
the perfect accessory to her pale pink kurta.

I was full to the brim with compliments today.
But I didn’t let a single one spill out.


Free verse, 12 lines. Written 19 September 2024.