The face of a young woman in pink

It’s painted on a canvas soft as velvet,

a young woman’s face in pink.

Behind half-closed lids,

crowned with long lashes,

deep-set eyes of bright blue—

dear, simple,

her stare compels

until a flock of lust,

so thick,

darkens the irises.

The silent charm once reigning flutters,

wings beating thunder,

drumming the heart.

Dead air ripples

beneath an untouchable breath.

An earlier version appeared in The Missing Slate Journal, Issue 2, 2011

Writer's Note: This was my first attempt to write an ekphrastic poem.

cgacosta.weebly.com