Pirate. A good girl, smiling
at some private pleasure
a drawn-on mustache
a good day at the fair.

Gypsy smiles broadly, enjoying
her lipstick, her gold earring
her tight headdress
the glamor of the oldest girl.

Boy with balloon.
He gets no costume
no hat
no make up.
A balloon on a stick does not even float.

Geisha, black yarn dangling
in front of her painted eyes.
She feels exotic, other.
No one will notice her blond hair
under the wig, she is certain.

The mother snaps a shot, repositions
the parasol so it does not block
the boy’s face.
“Please smile.”
The girls oblige.
Three out of four. Not bad.