Not Worth It

“You could be so popular;

it’s all about the look.”

So often do we heed

this siren song

 

We wrap ourselves in safety

from hair color to shoes

so desperate is the need

to just belong

 

Early on we learn

that the covering does matter;

conforming brings

the easiest protection

 

But the trade-off isn’t worth it

when you lose your sense of self;

“popular” does not

ensure affection

Author's Note

"You look marvelous... and it is much better to look good than to feel good, my dahling..."

Reviews

[AmandaN]

This is so true (and written beautifully of course!)
It's just a shame that we don't realise this shallowness sooner rather than later :-)

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Amanda. Yes, we realize this so late, but thankfully, not too late...

[Inspiring Writer]

Kool write, your writes're deep but this write' real came from the real piece of life. Nice flow of ink.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you - I try to do deep in the shallow end...

[Heather Burns]

today everyone is so picky about how they look outside. Let us look deep within a person and see the real beauty.

[Rita L. Sev]

Yes, that would be so nice... Thank you for reading, Heather

[Maryam]

Love it. You need to read this to the world today. Everyone is so caught up with their looks and the looks of others. You're a wise lady, my friend.

[Rita L. Sev]

Hmm... well, I have been called a wise "something"... :) I agree that our society is too caught up in looks, and pays little mind to substance. Thank you, Maryam.

[Baby Ricochet]

"The better you look the more you see." I forget where I heard that.

[Rita L. Sev]

I like that... Thanks, Mark.

[bobc]

First, this is a good piece. Still, I wanted to ask if by 'insure' in the last line, did you mean 'ensure'?

Second, the idea that conformity is somehow protective. Reminded me of what I've since learned is called 'selfish herd theory' in evolution...https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selfish_herd_theory. Were you aware of this?

Just curious...bob

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Bob, for reading and for your insights. I checked again, and here, 'insure' or 'ensure' could be used. I suppose "ensure" connotes less of a financial assurance, so I may change it.
I was not aware of the "Selfish Herd" Theory, other than what I have observed through living among humans... very interesting!

[CagedEnigma]

I! LOVE! THIS! This is simply an awesome poem. Gosh, if only more people understood this. Loved the last stanza! Great write. :D

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, CE. I'm glad you liked this!

[Aethereal]

This would be good advice but for the fact that most people tend to judge every book by the attractiveness of its cover. Those who don’t surrender to the dogma of public conformity are usually followed about by trigger happy armed guards as if they’re expecting 'em to commit some kind of horrible crime. Conformity is a method of self-preservation .

[Rita L. Sev]

Exactly - we discover that the covering does matter, and there is safety in conformity. It's a shame that some people never find out who they really are...

[Karen]

It's funny that I read this poem today because my daughter assures me every day that I look beautiful without make-up though I have to admit that I don't believe that. I think she loves me just as I am regardless of what I look like. This poem hits home because it makes me wonder whether my make-up affects my sense of self and I guess up to a certain extent it does. I feel more beautiful with make-up on and I do think I get more attention (though not affection) because of it. I like poetry that makes me reflect. Thank you for writing and sharing this poem.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you for your personal insights here, Karen. I think it's a go thing to do things that give us confidence (makeup, a haircut, etc) But we should never do it just to fit in, especially if that particular look is not "us".

[Karen]

That's a good point. I've never been going at fitting in with the crowd, and when I've tried I've only made myself look ridiculous and given fodder for the mean. Thank you for that reminder!

[SteveB]

Very true.

And you are stretching your poetic muscles again. I like this rhyme scheme. Very different. I admire your ability to try diferent styles and forms and carry them off nicely. Well done.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Steve. :)