All Of Me

This poem is about the expectations society has on women, and how it affects us.

Too much

Too much makeup

Too much perfume

Too much effort

 

All my life I’ve been told

To try harder

But not too hard

Am I doing it right?

 

Shiny, blonde hair

Perfect hourglass figure

Cherry red lips

Porcelain skin

 

Nothing like my midnight locks

Chocolate skin

Fat rolls

And a thin pucker

 

What is the essence of allure?

Is it the image everyone wants to see?

Thin, long legs on every screen

The epitome of beauty

 

I’ve been told I’m too fat

You should smile more

Those jeans are too tight

That blouse seems snug?

 

I stare at the face back at me

Barely recognizing the expression

My tired dark eyes

That should be blue

 

My wide hips

That should be narrow

And my elongated nose?

A fraction away from perfect

 

Countless hours in front of the mirror

Perfecting the body outside

When I should be focusing on

The spirit on the inside

 

Find your own disposition

Mend your heart

Forget about their wandering eyes

Forget about their pejorative stares

 

No makeup

Or a full face

Whatever I desire

It’s my prerogative

 

Let your hair down

Buy the yellow sundress

Feel the sand in-between your toes

Feel the sun pulsating on your neck

 

Let your body breathe

Let your soul speak

Forget the world for a moment

Focus internally

 

For I can have the pink cheeks

I can have the thick thighs

I can have the brown eyes

Because it’s all of me

Author's Note

I'm sure my grammar isn't perfect, I just wanted to share this poem and be able to relate to other writers.

Reviews

[...]

You have amazing flow too and so many emotions are here. I like your honest language and bravery to take reflection on your self. well done.

[.]

It's a good start... I enjoyed it ... Keep writing.
Good luck!

[MomzillaNC]

There’s something obscene about the constant thrum of other people’s demanding expectations of what we should be and condemnations of how we don’t meet their expectations. Equally, there’s something cleansing and empowering in throwing off the oppressive yoke of their demands and embracing ourselves as we are, in finding the beauty of just being.

[Beccy]

I sometimes think that the males have it tougher. Despite our modern world of so called equality, the desperate climb up the slippery corporate ladder, which often brings the 'shame' of so called failure, means they can sometimes fall a lot further than we do.

Beccy.

[poetryloverr44]

I definitely see your point! There is TONS of pressure there for males to be the provider, supporter, and be at the top of their game. They are under constant scrutiny as well. Despite the progress we've made with equality, I'm not sure if that will ever go away.

[Beccy]

Your poem encapsulates all that is wrong with our species facile expectations of what is the 'perfect' woman. This pointless and mostly unattainable ideal has been with us for thousands of years; and here and now I confess to makeup, dieting, taking care about the way I look. But I have yet to fully understand whether or not the whole pointless ritual is primarily female or male driven. Be fair all round I suppose, to play it safe and say it's 50/50 on the genetic imperative scale. :))

Either way, that which is inside is what really matters and 'because it's all of me,' pretty much says it all.

Beccy.

[poetryloverr44]

Absolutely! I completely agree with you, I'm sure something similar can be said from the male perspective. Society does have expectations for us all to look, feel, talk, act a certain way. I appreciate your insightful comment!

[Matthew Kult]

Elegantly Correlating

Wonderful read

Always,

Matthew

[poetryloverr44]

Thank you so much Matthew!

[Matthew Kult]

You are welcome.

Matthew

[Kami]

Any poem about women learning to love themselves is a poem for me! Who cares what "they" say! We are all perfectly different and beautiful. As you pointed out, our inner light is what really matters. Thank you for sharing!

[poetryloverr44]

I appreciate that Kami, thanks so much!