Appointment

Making up before a magnifying mirror,
I think of my dermatologist’s glee
at the sight of my dappled skin,
like a photoaging guide,
a map of pathologies. Remains
of every vacation rise
to the surface to remind me
of Honolulu beaches, Colorado
rooftops, Salvadoran plazas,
Santa Marta’s black sand,
strolls on a Chesapeake shore.
Life painted me with memories
that medicine tries to erase.

Inspired by Moonwashed musing’s weekly prompt.

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