Mascara smudged

Mascara smudged, then sliding past the eye,
The cheek, the fingertips, the pillow top,
Then lifted by the special cream to pry
It off the lashes.  But it doesn't stop.

It comes again with each new day to limn
The eyes with contrast never found for real.
And what does heightened contrast say? Begin
With, Look at me!  I'm strong, I fight. I steal

Your gaze to rest on me.  I make you think
I'm stronger than I feel.  You ponder if
You dare to conflagrate with one whose ink
Is penned like war paint.  See, mascara's gift.

Mascara smudged, the fading battle cry.
The soap, the cream, now sleeps the gentle eye.