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

[Chris Shaw]

Growing up can be so painful for some. Sadly these days the pressure is on for young women to look perfect. What happened to natural beauty both inside and out? Much more consideration should be given to building the esteem of our youngsters instead of focusing on outward appearances. Building self esteem classes instead of applying makeup, might be a place to start. The media don’t help either. Dear Betty I admire the way you conveyed this powerful message. Have a great day.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear Chris....I think your comments are spot on... we should instill confidence instead of perfection
Great review...Happy Wednesday!
Warmly, B

[Dave Brown]

My 14 yr. old granddaughter has recently entered this world of self doubt, causing a great deal of anxiety on her part and comparable anguish on the part of her parents.
"What is this life if full of care....))"

[Betty Hermelee]

I think you are correct... parents are partially responsible for their kid's welfare....
thoughtful response
Warmly BESTB

[JD Major]

Puts me in mind of a teenager's torment, unsure of self, buffeted by other's careless remarks, and one true friend to help navigate, to share and confide. Hits home!
JD

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you JD for your thoughtful review!
Warmly, B

[Patricia]

I absolutely love this!!!! we, as females, daughters, mothers, sisters, friend, go through so much to be accepted by our own sex let alone another. I wonder why after we have made so many strides to be equal, perhaps because we are not, and perhaps we are still unacceptable to our own sex and still judged harshly by them, it is sad that we treat each other with such disdain...such is the world.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you dear P., I respect and love your review
So happy to see that you stopped by…. Alway appreciate you!
Warmly and hugs
B

[MomzillaNC]

Nothing cuts deeper than a mother's disdain. I know that feeling. I hope you've found the truth of your own beauty in spite of her.

[Betty Hermelee]

sure did and most of us should...thank you immensely for your review
Warmly, B

[MomzillaNC]

You're welcome

[Neville]

Your summative line is incredible and absolutely spot on Betty .. I hope many of those here, essentially those with an infinite variety, depth and range of personal insecurities, anxiety and fears whatever they might be, will glean the insight I suspect you intended to incorporate just before you pressed send ..

Bravo B .. N

[Betty Hermelee]

You got it!!! Thank you Neville for a great review
Warmly, B

[Neville]

What an absolute pleasure .. and all mine Betty :)

[Poetic Beauty]

I think we all have moments of self loathing of what we see in the mirror especially as we age but when younger the world around us is so objective on our outward appearances.

When my ex and I split I had went from 135 lbs and size 4 when I met him to approximately 240lbs. I had stopped weight myself. There were many things mentally that had damaged my perspective on myself. When I left the toxic end of the relationship I was depressed and self loathing. I didn’t even think I should wear cute bras or panties. I slowly started working on myself inside and out. I had someone “Mr blue eyes” come along and make me feel like the sexy woman ever flaws and all. I have better self confidence than I did. I’m sti need to drop about 20 lbs to feel at my best wealth wise. I’m currently at 190.

[Betty Hermelee]

That's the key...self confidence... Thank you for a very personal review!
Warmly, B

[Poetic Beauty]

You are welcome

[emmajoygreen]

A learning curve that takes time to reach when young and - still finding self. What a lesson you have offered here in your own superb manner, Betty. So many - certainly me, can understand the way you have shown yourself at a time when becoming inwardly what your public appearance is still searching confidence and courage to be. Dear friend, you certainly did and have. :)

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you my dear Emma for your support and wonderful reviews always
Warmly, and hugs
B

[Fabian G. Franklin]

It is amazing to me how much of our entire lives we spend throwing away packaging; from items we purchase at the store, Christmas and birthday present wrappings, boxes and bags and bows. But when it comes to each other we throw away the value of the inner being and concern ourselves only with outward trappings and how the wrapping looks. There are lessons all around to those willing to observe and learn. Clothes do not "make the man" nor the woman; nor make-up, nor fancy jewelry. Beauty is the same as our precious products contained in jars and boxes and bottles except it is contained in our hearts, souls and minds. We can't , "throw the baby out with the bathwater" but we must learn the worth of the contents is much greater than the value of the packaging. I greatly enjoyed your poem. F.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you so much, appreciated!!
Warmly, B