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?

[Beccy]

Thanks Diego. In the past I have been accused, (ever so gently,) of an overuse of the semi colon and just as gently, I have disagreed. As you say, (and whether it be from laziness or simply a lack of understanding,) less is not always necessarily best.

Beccy.

[Tree]

Such a witty, well written piece. And the rhythm of this gave me the illusion I was hearing the voice not reading it, so hard to achieve. You have a confidence in your written words that took me beyond the screen in front of me. Another thing. and this one hits home (meaning, I'm bias). I like that you're not afraid of the semi-colon, still a mystery to me why more of today's prose poets don't utilize it, great tool to control nuance and ultra specific tone. When I read poet's like Walcott, or Kipling it becomes clear that they mastered wide range language because they were not afraid to use all the tools available to them ; sure, I get carried away with the fireflies and in today's minimalism poet circles where less is always best Isn't always so, sometimes, it's just lazy.


Nice work, Beccy. I enjoyed this.

Diego

[jacob erin-cilberto]

we have to see past what is outside...beauty is within...and besides, blemished and a little off kilter is much sexier than perfect...perfect gets boring fast.

lots inside this well expressed poem.

[Tom]

Yes indeed, some can become rather aloof and full of their own importance, requiring a reality check to bring their feet back to good old terra firma !

A fine poetic riposte, full of humble charm and worldly wisdom!

[Michael G.]

Interesting, as I read this "lovely" piece, I was listening the "Claudia's Theme," from the movie, "Unforgiven."

There is a simple, honest beauty in the song about someone who was a damaged person, both physically and emotionally. But in her, there was beauty, also. I guess it sometimes takes looking for, and sometimes beauty suddenly appears, as if it had always been there.

I enjoyed your honest thoughts here. Thank you for the pleasure of reading and pondering them.

[Rita L. Sev]

It is indeed in te imperfections that beauty is found... Nice piece of prose, Beccy!

[Lydia Shutter]

"the humble daisy, though more
numerous than the orchid, is, from the
viewpoint of Mother Nature, equally as beautiful. " My father used to tell me it is the scars in life that make things beautiful and your poem proves the concept. What we see on a magazine cover should not be the standard of beauty. What difference does it make if someone wears designer clothes or clothes from Target? Does the person wearing Givenchy immediately become a better person? Of course not! Passing clouds can be prettier than the sunshine...it's all in the perception of the viewer. What a lovely write this is, Beccy. Lydi**