Skin deep

Under standards set by the World 

council for conformity, you are beautiful.

An unblemished apple in an orchard mostly 

hung heavy on the bough with the blemished;

so why then, the sullen little frown

that mars your otherwise perfectly 

smooth brow as you leave for work in

a flurry of knock-off designer gear.

Perhaps it is because the Ferrari

and the villa at Cap Ferrat remain

no more than a dream, despite 

that you outshine the latest flibbertigibbet

gawking out from the front page of Vogue,

which aside from paintballers monthly,

is perhaps the most pointless organ

ever to grace the newstands. 

It could even be, that beneath your

gilded feet you sometimes feel the

cracks in the pavement and marvel that

repair is not uppermost in the minds of most;

blemish on blemish threatening to trip

the smooth passage of your voyage; 

the thought temporarily intriguing, 

but no more so than a passing cloud.

Thus, and because I am a founder

member of the blemished and therefore

graced with the ability to see past

reflection, (which on reflection is a gift

beyond measure,) I feel it my duty to point 

out that the humble daisy, though more 

numerous than the orchid, is, from the 

viewpoint of Mother Nature, equally as beautiful. 

 

Reviews

[Nusquam Esse]

It can be very difficult to convince someone that they are perfect as they are... maybe not in a literal sense, but more in how you want them to be in your own life. So many people dwell on the flaws to the point that they miss that many things in life are steeped in duplicity; both in themselves, and in the world and the people that walk it. "I have low self-esteem" "I am too reserved" "I am too fat"... all of these can be turned from weaknesses into some powerful strengths, it is all a question of perspective, and the desire to approach them in a new way. They can be "I am humble", "I am genuine", "I have healthy curves, but you should want me for more than just that"... Arrogance is a short step from confidence; all it takes is a willingness to look at these 'weaknesses' and to channel them in a positive way. I am personally a very flawed person, but many of those flaws are also my greatest strengths.... and with the right person, I can be 'perfect' for them. (Or so I tell myself) If nothing else, someone who has flaws can feel real and like something you can connect with. Someone who feels 'perfect', to me, I always mark it off as a charade. For someone to willingly expose their weaknesses to you, so that you can show them the strength those weaknesses conceal... it is a beautiful thing, showing their trust in you. Does the smith temper the steel? Or does the steel temper the smith?

[An owl on the moon]

This is so uplifting... the depth and height of beauty... the vastness of it... and how it brings such light to everything around... no matter what we may see in our reflection...

[emmajoy]

Your touches of modern dress and attitude, wealth and the like, give superb comparisons in this poem, they lead the way to what you want and need to say. The post teaches without preaching, creates pictures we can juggle if we want and tells a tale that needs to be heard, over and over. Daisies are gentle and without artifice; anyone of any age could learn by seeing how daisies raise their heads to see and hear their world.

A daisy has all the attributes a flower - or young girl, should have: dainty skirt about slender limb, a light scent, is open to the kindest sky and - thank the Lord, shines its near pure white innocence beyond the visual!.

[JC]

hell yea, in this day and age of shallow thoughts and ideals, it's good to see others knowing it's all BS! great read and topic.

[Konigin]

This is really quite beautiful! I love the wording and visuals!! I also loved the message you gave the reader. Very wise. My favorite part of the whole poem was your last stanza!!!! :D

Superb! Astounding pen Beccy!

-Chelsea

[Matching Socks]

This is a poem that all women should read. Flaws and all, we are beautiful creatures.
Well Beccy. Loved the message in this one.

[Michael G. Smith]

Well said. I see a woman's flaws as her beauty. Look at "Miss Misery". A mirror reflects beauty as a whole but once shattered magnifies it tenfold. Evermore there is within the looking glass broken. (I believe your poetry is the inspiration needed to break through my writer's block curse.)

[John Alexander McFadyen]

A profoundly loving piece that reflects the anxiety and aspirations of a parent in a soothing whisper and hug of a poem. Written in flowing and expressive terms.

[AprilRN1210]

I have to say, I absolutely adore this as a whole, but that last stanza is absolutely amazing.. I love the gentle, tender, loving guidance, the deep wisdom, the inner dialogue, the depth of emotion, the rich use of language, (some of which will have to look up later) and the flow in this was exquisite... I loved every minute..

[Sheila Kline]

In the eyes of the beholder who admires the humble daisy, seen indeed is beauty as exquisite as that seen by one who admires the orchid. Blemished and unfulfilled is only accepted by one who wishes it to be.