January 02nd, 2017

I almost put on lipstick, 
But I thought it wouldn't matter.
My favorite shade of Laura Mercier
Wasn't worth the celebration of 20 years
Of my parent's business. 
I stepped out of my car,
And into the restaurant where customers
Told me congratulations,
As if I held responsibility for the place
That kept my father from seeing me win
First place in shotput in the eighth grade,
For the place that was too important
To close when my dog died. 
Before I approached my parent's, 
And their hardworking faces, 
That reeped the benefits of fought-for 
Immigration and fine dining,
I took a good look at the piano, 
That my sister used to play, 
Before the keys were tuned for business,
Before the keys were tuned for customers,
​Silent to family.