Poem: the first thing they notice about her

that is the first thing they notice about her
probably the only thing
it doesn’t matter who they are
strangers on public transit, clients at work
the man at the grocery store, the lady in the flower shop

that is the first thing they notice about her
probably the only thing
it doesn’t matter where she is
at work, at movies, at a friend’s wedding
in a coffee shop or a crowded elevator

that is the first thing they notice about her
probably the only thing
it doesn’t matter what she is doing
walking, eating, speaking, listening
even if she is helping them

that is the first thing they notice about her
probably the only thing
a woman at the local Desi store, a complete stranger,
once offered her some unsolicited advice with a friendly smile
“use turmeric powder, when you shower. I did.”
“I can tell,” she smiled back, “you could have had a beautiful mustache like me.”

“Guys are lucky because they get to grow mustaches. I wish I could. It’s like having a little pet for your face.” — Anita Wise.