I liked how my face looked after the Face Painting Lady dipped the final stroke of the brush
Into the palette of colors. I liked how she took her time with me, she didn’t rush
A Swirl there, a dot here, and then curved lines for my eyes
When I get a chance to look in her mirror, I bet I’ll have a wonderful surprise
Zig Zag, Zag Zig, what a glorious brush ride. Lavenders, fuchsias, salmons, and whites
I could hear my Uncle Leon say, “Little Girl, you sure do look outta sight!”
The Face Painting Lady talked to me as she worked, she asked me questions like, “How many books have I read?”
She kept my mind occupied as she gently turned and tilted my head
But she did not have to worry about my being impatient or my wanting her to hurry and finish
So, I closed my eyes to show her I was patient, in the way Mama waits for my brother Jamal to finish eating his spinach
I wish that Ms. Shirley (that is her real name) could have gone on and on painting my face - maybe she will understand
That the her touch reminded me of the soft, cool caress of Mama Lucia, my Great Gran
Face Painters if they are really good make us children feel loved with their care and touch
And with my eyes closed as tight as hands in prayer, I could hear Gran Lucia whisper in my ear, “Sweet Somalia, I love you very much!”
