Black stockings,

straining to contain the bulging veins of age,

sensible shoes,

a slight heel and faintly worn alligator skin

print the only concessions to fashion.

A navy blue skirt, conservative length,

nods gracefully at better times.

Over the top of matching jacket,

peek happenings of blouse,

offering daring hints

of Pollock patterns in black and blue.

Stereotype lenses pinned to face,

pinion skin in place.

Steel wool hair

rises, looming in bouffant,

thin dry lips painted desperation pink

in the styles of her youth.