Early mornings

greet me jarringly

with the ethanol reek

of disinfectant perfume,

fuzzy, un-prescribed

caricatures in the mirror,

the sting of synthetic mint

on acrylic teeth and paper tongues,

burnt scalps and

cancerous flat-iron sprays,

bubblegum lipsticks

with beige paint smothered acne,

and coarse fabrics

chafing against razor burn.

What else can I say?

I’m flawless enough for today!