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

[s y e]

I think we should always try to look good but not to go overboard - if you know what I mean. A lovely write, Rita, as always!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Noodle. I am all for looking our best. What gets to me is when I see people (often kids) doing things and wearing things that they are not comfortable with. Trying to fit into a mold that is simply not who they are.

[ANTO]

Who is the dude Rita?
I totally get this - one of society's most unfair trade offs is our individualism for acceptance. Our local accent is the first thing we adapt when we go to a new place in the world too. No wonder we get so neurotic... :(

X

[Rita L. Sev]

You make a good point about our accent; we are such timid pack animals! That's Billy Crystal, from a Saturday Night Live skit in which he portrayed Fernando Lamas. His tag line was "You look marvelous, and it is much better to look good than to feel good."

[ANTO]

LOL @ Fernando Lamas - you know your comedy Rita. Great bit of craic.
X

[Jack...]

I think we should always try to look our best, but when we go beyond who we are to do so, that is when the problems start. Very well done and said Rita.

[Rita L. Sev]

So true, Jack - we want to look our best, to feel our best - but not lose sight of who we really are... Thank you!

[Angel]

Oh, so true! I'd rather like myself, than have other people like me.

[Rita L. Sev]

Exactly! And then, the people who like you really like YOU! Thank you, Angel!

[ShelleyA]

Hi Rita. An excellent write and message. Thoughtful. Good imagery, flow and tone. Line to line transition and breaks are done well. Nice rhythm and enjambment. Nice mix of feminine and masculine end line rhyme, the last word of each stanza. Good depth of feeling and words of wisdom. Being popular doesn't necessarily mean you're well liked or respected. Being true to yourself is always the best policy. The 'covering' can be so misleading when a person is wrapped up with their looks. True beauty, as well as strength, comes from your inner self. Good word choice. Well penned and a good read. Write on!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Shelley - as usual, you have grasped the message perfectly. It's an easier lesson to learn as an adult... :)

[ShelleyA]

That's so true Rita and you're very welcome. Have a great day!

[Leonard Birch]

Great write Rita. Thank you for sharing a clear message :)

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Leo!

[Leonard Birch]

My pleasure Rita

[Cassie]

This has a deep message, thank you for sharing my friend.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Cassie!

[Sharon Kim]

It's so sad when people try so hard to fit the image that someone else has told them is the right way to look or act. They definitely lose themselves. That trade-off is no bargain. I think the pressure is so much greater on today's kids than when I was young. Too much media involved.
I agree with you, it's not worth it. Nicely written and a good message.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Sharon... I think every generation has to deal with this; we need to teach kids the balance.

[David Scott]

Well, what if your not popular or have affection.
Sometimes it is about survival...
Still, a great point.

[Rita L. Sev]

That is true - that's the "safety" factor... and we all fall into it in some way or another. Human beings are pack animals... Thank you for your insights, David!

[ba_mcfarlane]

Rita, would that be in fine Corinthian leather?