I met a girl, whose name is Marionette
because her grandmother was French,
although her parents are from Pittsburgh.

Her name is Marionette and she dresses as if it is a party
every day, bright colors and shiny sandals that
do not match, except for her,
who makes exceptions.

Marionette works in a restaurant when she is not painting,
which is often so I mostly talk to her
with her back turned.

She says it is ok because she has eyes there.

They aren't as green as the others, I say
Yes, they are, she responds, in a low spooky voice,
you just can't see them.

Marionette, whom I hardly know,
sleeps with a nightlight
but won't tell me why.