By Anna Gill
The power I inherit is that of charisma
that potent and hypnotic melisma
You showed me how this could be harnessed
peering through grubby fingers I was astonished
when you stole from someone who handed it over
I saw that this was a fearsome power
What did it take to switch on your genes
was it my constant striving to please
that in so doing I turned on the charm
with a flattery weaponized against your harm
But little sister, shyness is a tool I’ll leave all to you
I’m working with something that glitters and fools
and will anyone believe if you sound the alarm
when clutching your pearls you’re still hung on my arm
secretly hoping that by association
you’ll learn the trick of sweet manipulation
It’s something you either have or you don’t
a code gifted in a chromosome
The moths come and circle my brilliance
I dispense a wink to feed their limerence
They unconsciously want the intangible
even though it’s dangerously corruptible
coming close to me, glowing and fizzing
not realizing that their wings are singeing
so that they can’t fly as high as I do
but enough so I can help them when I deign to
I’m careful to use my gift as a garnish
so that my reputation won’t tarnish