Stuck in Your Kind of Beautiful

A Poem

Photo by Vasi on Unsplash

too thin,
too thick,
never right,
never full,
always hungry,
always empty.

the mirror stares back
as if it holds more
than just a sorry reflection
of someone
who will never be enough
no matter the paint or polish.

the boyfriend says you matter,
but you don’t believe him.
the mother you love tells you to eat,
but you swallow nothing but air.
the best friend begs you to reach out
for something more than a compliment.

the powder hides the scars,
but it won’t erase the pain.
the lipstick traces the smile
even though your face still hurts.
the mascara is always waterproof
just in case you break down and cry.

you chase after the beauty
you’ve always craved,
you kiss the pavement
just to feel some release,
and you pinch your skin
just for a little flush of color.