Tickled pink
like my cat's tongue, and I'm reminded of when I was a child,
waiting to greet my childhood best friend, Zoe, in my wide driveway.
However, a best friend's playful kiss on the cheek cannot compare to the
"true love's kiss" that awakens you and has you dancing.
I am the girl in the pink dress--
sparkly, long-sleeved and puffy at the skirt,
with Aurora from Sleeping Beauty sitting at my breast-less chest,
with the kingdom of stuffed animals, costume jewelry, and board games,
dancing like a wild child with my best friend to the Lizzie McGuire movie soundtrack.
I am the girl in the pink dress--
bejeweled, strapless, and puffy at the skirt,
dancing to a bland salsa with someone I could have never loved,
even if it was to a slow song by Bruno Mars.
A kiss was the last thing on my mind, just Spanish flashcards and Chemistry notes.
Now, in my early, twenties, I am still the girl in the pink dress--
short sleeved, long, sleek, and plunging v-neck.
I am doing the dance of a hug and kiss as I greet my lover in my wide driveway—
I am more awake than what my daily three cups of coffee can make me.
He takes me to his palace.
He's someone who would also kiss me when I'm wearing blue.
April Frances Federico is an up-and-coming poet, journalist, activist, and visual artist. She has a specific ardor for women's rights and Title IX issues. She is a huge literature nerd studying Creative Writing with minors in Arts Management and Visual Arts at Roger Williams University. She is also the voice behind The April Diaries and her work has been published in Rose Quartz, Ayaskala, honey & lime lit, Kissing Dynamite, Satin Soulbits, and HEAL(er) Mag.
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