Note: This poem is a creative adaptation of Jaanece’s original poem (2016-2017 edition), inspired in a collaborative workshop!
Mask of Beauty is a shell to all faces.
She changes how we look with makeup
Being the editor of our lives.
I speak to her in a meaningful voice,
“Makeup isn’t the key in looking beautiful,
Nor should it be the key to confidence”
However, she ignored my words.
My words flew away from her
Like wild birds when you walk near them.
She walked away with
No care in the world,
Showing how my words didn’t
Mean much to her.
I stood where I was,
Lost in my own thoughts.
How could she have ignored me?
What is possibly more important
To her than knowing women are
Injuring themselves to feel
Pretty about themselves!?
As wild thoughts began to pile
Up inside my head,
I growled underneath my breath,
I must catch her attention -
Even if I must mentally
Exhaust myself
Worrying about others' safety
"Mask of Beauty,"
I cry out, hoping she hears me,
"You must stop this craziness.
You're killing every woman
On this Earth just over
Their own beauty;
Is that what you truly want!?"
My cries of concern must
Have gotten her attention,
For she turned around
Like a wild animal protecting
Their youngling from predators.
Her expression said it all -
She didn't wish for this to happen,
"My darling,
Have I truly caused this mayhem?"
She asked in such a gentle voice,
"Have I caused so many women
To believe that pain
Is that only way
To see beauty in themselves?"
I nod my head,
Knowing that any sign
Of yes is what she was looking for.
A frown crossed her face.
Disappointed in herself,
She turned and began to walk away,
Never to be seen after that.