I looked at my mother as she puts her makeup on.

Many words popped into my mind.

Beauty

Sadness

Strength

Would I one day wear the armor like she does?

Will men come under a spell and fall to their feet?

I catch my mothers eye,

Filled with tears and mystery.

Underneath that armor is a frail woman

Afraid of the world that played her,

Afraid of love because she's been hurt

Afraid of herself. 

Hours pass and my mother returns.

As she wipes the armor off, I see the woman inside.

Small

Lonely 

Afraid

I give my mother a hug and kiss her cheek.