What is Beauty?

What is Beauty?

By Shelli Ann

Looking at the world around me,

I see an altered view.

The things that some call beautiful,

Are things I rarely ever knew.

When I look into the mirror,

I never seem to see.

The things that others will call beautiful,

Staring back at me.

I have never been attractive,

Only ordinary at best.

I will never look the same as them,

Or be as pretty as the rest.

My nose is a bit too big,

Disproportionate with my face.

With a smile that’s a bit crooked,

My teeth, a little out of place.

Each day, I stare into the mirror,

Not seeing what I choose.

All that I can focus on,

Are the pounds that I can’t lose.

I see them all around me,

The ones that stand out from the crowd.

Those who shine without trying,

The pretty and the proud.

Listening to their stories,

Longing for the things I hear.

I want so much to feel special,

To not feel like I disappear.

Everyday I feel as though,

I am left out of the crowd.

Trying as hard as I can,

To chase what can’t be found.

Learning to take a little less,

And give a little more.

Fighting to meet their standards,

To become someone they can't ignore.

Some say that real beauty,

Can only be found within.

If there is truth to that statement,

Why do we try so hard to just fit in?

Each time I look at my reflection,

I can not help but see.

The faults that are always present,

Staring back at me.

I will never be a model,

Or on the cover of a magazine.

I never wanted that kind of life,

I just wanted to be seen.

At times I put on makeup,

To cover up the scars.

Trying to erase the doubts,

That are hidden in my heart.

People tell me I’m worth more,

That I shouldn’t try to live up to those standards.

The truth is that it’s hard,

To believe what really matters.

I know that beauty is more,

Than what everyone can view.

True beauty is what is found,

Deep inside of you.

And so I just keep searching,

Everyday that I live.

To find someone who’ll love me,

For what I have to give.

I know that on the inside,

I am who I want to be.

Why can’t people simply recognize,

The beauty inside of me?

© 2020 by Shelli Ann