Portraits made during the old ladies contest, annual competition of beauty on the outskirts of São Paulo.
SLEEPING BEAUTY ON THE MIRROR
Who is the fairest one of all?
Sweet gaze
turquoise blue
forced open with mascara?
Eyes that do not see
heart that does not feel
a photograph in movements
gently, gently, gently.
On the other end
the background
the world.
Following the contours of the mouth
within, catatonic
it does not transpire
from this hollow appearance.
Raised shoulder
arched eyebrow
not much longer now
to be loved.
Caricature, my face
a scratch on the mould
that wrinkle
should not be there
it multiplies
unwillingly
in spent time
so as to not allow
time to appear
Tell me, magic mirror on the wall.
Alice Ruiz