NOTICED

Beauty is within

The mirror reveals my appalling homeliness

In the darkest corner of my core

It tosses me into a labyrinth of discouragement

what to do?

conceivably I could color my hair pink

perhaps I will be noticed

when I stroll down the street

my only friend inspires me

will people gawk at me like a freak?

more than they do now?

 

Mom’s face turns red at my new color

says I look like a s**t

slices deep into my inner focus

drives me to assume that I am a nonentity

I wish to rouse her

she turns her head to deflect me

I hope to be noticed favorably in a crowd

my friend heartens me

 

Once more I gaze in the mirror

To convince myself of the new hairdo

this does not reassure my verve

so that I can bury

my repulsiveness leastwise moderately

my only friend says I ought to consider another method

to create loveliness internally

and assuage what others muse about me

I now realize at this very moment

self- love emanates from self esteem

 

 

Author's Note

Thank you for reading!

Reviews

[Marie]

A very poignant picture painted of a girl who has very low self esteem and confidence in herself. She doesn't see the beautiful person she is, she sees only what is on the outside, but the beauty on the outside will fade away with the passing of time, whereas a person who is beautiful on the inside will ALWAYS be a beautiful person. You capture all of this so finely in this excellently penned poem through excellent word choice and depiction, Betty. Wonderful poem! Lovely work! Thank you for sharing, dear Betty.

[Betty Hermelee]

you’re very welcome Marie💕
warmly, B

[Marie]

Thank you, Betty...

[FlaLover]

I'm sure everyone, at some point in their life, had the same thoughts.
Your words capture and portray the core of insecurity.
Love it!

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you so much , appreciated
Warmly, B

[poetgurl]

This is such a a well written and stated write, so much truth.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Meg, appreciated
Warmly, B

[Gee]

The things folk do "to fit in" be noticed.
Takes many of us a very long time to become comfortable in our own skin and care not as to what others see or think of us.
You write in a style from years gone by Betty, so easy to read.
Hope you are keeping well

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Gee, good to see you! Have a happy Sunday!
Warmly, B

[Ken Simm.]

Such a true poem as I have discovered several times. Extremly clevely written.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Ken, much appreciated
Warmly, B

[Senu Jayasinghe]

It may seem too bold a method " color my hair pink" to be noticed by the world, because it is a different kind of pain when you are so invisible when you are right there with your screaming emotions, love and passion.
However if you love yourself the society's opinion is merely a passing thought.

[Betty Hermelee]

I agree! And you’re welcome!
Warmly, B.

[AYVID N]

Dear Betty,
This is such a relatable write for all those who suffer from self-doubt and not enough self-esteem. The need to be appreciated, noticed is very touching as the protagonist wonders what she can do to garner favorable attention from others. A very palpable need to relate to. I loved the way she considers turning her hair pink, which seems to be a drastic measure, in order to be looked at. Her old friend comes to the rescue and states the greatest truth. We are as lovely as we think we are! Just watch her change her mindset and begin to glow and radiate beauty from within. Everyone will be stunned at the radical transformation! I have been there, done it and completely felt the emotions in this wonderful poem. Loved it!

[Betty Hermelee]

I love your review Diyva, thank you from my heart!... the review is so perfect for this piece... you related to the protagonist with empathy...
So glad you're back!
Warmly, B

[AYVID N]

I enjoyed and related to the poem so much! You're welcome, dear Betty!

[Papaya]

I think so many of us want to be seen, and appreciated, without judgement.
Those with inner beauty have a glow that attracts, whether they know it or not.
Nice poem, Betty. Gets one thinking about how we see those around us.

[Betty Hermelee]

I really like your comnents Ana; a well thought out review
Warmly
B.

[Papaya]

My pleasure, Betty 💛🙂
Happy Friday!

[Re-Pete]

there is inner beauty as well as outer. not always a natural thing to love ourselves for various reasons - what we perceive as shortcomings or not measuring up. parents can be the most critical as they feel entitled to tell us as such. our culture does little if anything to help. poignant piece that stirs.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Pete for your thoughtful reviews, always….
Warmly B

[Arundass TP]

Mirror, wishes and expectations. Blending into powerful poem.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you very much TP
Warmly, B