The Artist Studies the Effect of Sadness on Her Own Face

effects of sadness in mirror
by Amanda McLeod

Sadness changes
the shape of my face
Lines of happiness
get redrawn in a different
direction
with a heavy pencil that only
pulls down

Eyes have their sparkle  
erased
Hooded shields appear
puffy, and the corners
are tugged at by a memory
that once, things were better

Fine traces  
of watercolour tears
stain my skin a different shade
a finely worked map of years
All paths lead to a place
no one returns from

The work, once perfectly
blended and tinted
in perfect balance
now pieces joined
at odd angles
with awkward seams
A melancholy cubism
of smeared faded colour


Amanda McLeod is an Australian author and artist. Her words can be found at Mookychick, Pussy Magic, The Cabinet Of Heed, and elsewhere; and she is the assistant editor at Animal Heart Press. When she’s not immersed in words, she’s usually looking for solitude in quiet, wild places. Connect with her on Twitter @AmandaMWrites.

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