Be brave matryoshka
march you strong between pylons
don’t covet the cufflinks too long
is your bodice too tight
don’t you pout matryoshka
you’ll ruin your red ruby lips
like an upside down rainbow
just high on some dayglow
just slipped and encouraged some chips
did you come from this planet
or are you just passing
impressions of red Rosie cheeks
I’ll rent your love potions
and hyacinth lotions
for a stick of black charcoal
and ink
Russian surprise are your pretty
blue eyes
Russian roulette with the peasant
red blue and green
should they never be seen
as some glorious gift
from the present
we see only half
of your curves at the start
does it mean you are only
half loved?
from so long ago
do they care do they know
did you eat today
breads and some cheeses
did you go to wherever
you pleases?
Smile matryoshka
embroider it on you
and smother the smocking
with colour
weave your smile in a cross stitch
or zigzag a sandwich
charm us all
as you glide down the aisle