Self-Portrait in Syllables

by Marie Elena

silver splatters on
dark construction-paper hair
of pulled ribbon curls
with eraser-rubbed 
quarter-sized patch of almond
alopecia

now-sparce arches frame
uneven eyes colored with
loosely held crayon
trying to capture
the green for which there is no
Crayola pigment

but a fine black pen
and a steady hand capture
right-eye’s lopsided 
cat-pupil-like shape:
a visual reminder
of eye surgery

thinner,  aging lips
colored deep red. tempted to 
draw outside the lines,
but she won’t bother
because a genuine smile
makes up for the lack
 
Sfumato technique?
No. Since this is her portrait,
she faces herself.

© Marie Elena Good 2026

(Sfumato is a technique for softening and blending.)