day sixteen.

missed.

-

her aunt told her that they were the kind of women

that make men fall in love with them

soft

and lovely

and light

she told her that she had it,

that thing that sends men spinning.

said that it was in her blood, her eyes.

she said it wasn't conscious,

wasn't to be abused,

that it was wrong

to try to lure in a man

who had no choice. 

her aunt tells her that one day, she too

will make men kneel at her feet.

it was never something

any of them wanted,

five sisters,

women scorned,

losing in love

with the only men

who ever mattered.

the next day, she kisses her aunt 

and steps outside. looks across the wall 

at the boy with shining eyes and ringing laugh,

and thinks that the gift missed her.