Red curls sailed about her face

untamed and wild in wind

spark of life glowed in halo.

But no angel was Red

tasting life as if every breath

would be her last to quench.

Suspended from both hands

gulping adventure as she laughed

savoring glints of craving and desire

riding feral roller coaster of esprit.

Bursting energy, primal life forces

danger flashed as she trod fire

fingers burned but still she flamed.

Black galloped into her life

devoured her blazing force

destroyed her soul inferno.

But a tiny spark remained

reignited, she arose as phoenix

banishing Black with red intensity.

Red blazed as hot wildfire

flamed once more as spirit soared.

What do they call you now, hm?

(You've got so many names I've lost count.)

But I remeber the first name I ever knew you by,

Purple.

Too plain, too simple,

Doesn't suit ya now, but it did then.

Back when you loved spotted dinosaurs and sunflowers and knew every word to the Cleanup Song,

Back when we mixed Play-Doh, when we painted our dolls, valued the cheapest and shiniest nail polish and glittery hair ties,

Back when we wore clothes they didn't like and broke all of our Crayons.

I remember you then.

But you're so much more now.

You're the sunrise, sunset,

Chipped paint, graffiti, old concert posters,

Sweet fruits, sour fruits,

Bad arguments,

Stained lips, stained fingers, caviar and crackers.

You love your silks and satins and jewels,

Your gold crown,

Your delicate petals,

Your bold and vibrant eye shadows...

But I still remember you as Purple.

I still see you sometimes,

In water colours, night skies and a cotton tee-shirt I wear to bed.

I still see you

And I love you even when you're falling apart.