She cups my wrists and paints
the history of wives and daughters;
centuries weaving onto palms, desire
cloaked in stars and crescents.
Mehndi laced in orange and reds --
Drawn on tender canvasses.
Spirals daubed on feet and toes.
Paisley vows brides wear to bed.
Each stain tapped with care --
Coaxed to hold, then disappear.