Pink Ladies by Heather Van Doren

​The secrets they tell you
after the party

collect like cocktails
in the punch cups,

lukewarm and tart,
eager to be poured out

in those lingering moments
between digging

the proper coats
off the bed

and leaning close
to kiss

your hostess
goodnight.

​Heather Van Doren’s work has been published in The New York Times, Word Riot, Yankee Pot Roast, amongst others.