Skin deep

Under standards set by the World 

council for conformity, you are beautiful.

An unblemished apple in an orchard mostly 

hung heavy on the bough with the blemished;

so why then, the sullen little frown

that mars your otherwise perfectly 

smooth brow as you leave for work in

a flurry of knock-off designer gear.

Perhaps it is because the Ferrari

and the villa at Cap Ferrat remain

no more than a dream, despite 

that you outshine the latest flibbertigibbet

gawking out from the front page of Vogue,

which aside from paintballers monthly,

is perhaps the most pointless organ

ever to grace the newstands. 

It could even be, that beneath your

gilded feet you sometimes feel the

cracks in the pavement and marvel that

repair is not uppermost in the minds of most;

blemish on blemish threatening to trip

the smooth passage of your voyage; 

the thought temporarily intriguing, 

but no more so than a passing cloud.

Thus, and because I am a founder

member of the blemished and therefore

graced with the ability to see past

reflection, (which on reflection is a gift

beyond measure,) I feel it my duty to point 

out that the humble daisy, though more 

numerous than the orchid, is, from the 

viewpoint of Mother Nature, equally as beautiful. 

 

Reviews

[Nusquam Esse]

It can be very difficult to convince someone that they are perfect as they are... maybe not in a literal sense, but more in how you want them to be in your own life. So many people dwell on the flaws to the point that they miss that many things in life are steeped in duplicity; both in themselves, and in the world and the people that walk it. "I have low self-esteem" "I am too reserved" "I am too fat"... all of these can be turned from weaknesses into some powerful strengths, it is all a question of perspective, and the desire to approach them in a new way. They can be "I am humble", "I am genuine", "I have healthy curves, but you should want me for more than just that"... Arrogance is a short step from confidence; all it takes is a willingness to look at these 'weaknesses' and to channel them in a positive way. I am personally a very flawed person, but many of those flaws are also my greatest strengths.... and with the right person, I can be 'perfect' for them. (Or so I tell myself) If nothing else, someone who has flaws can feel real and like something you can connect with. Someone who feels 'perfect', to me, I always mark it off as a charade. For someone to willingly expose their weaknesses to you, so that you can show them the strength those weaknesses conceal... it is a beautiful thing, showing their trust in you. Does the smith temper the steel? Or does the steel temper the smith?

[Dave Brown]

Its the hair thingy
both I and my skull would like it back
Even bald daisies are not real happy

[Norman 223]

How to bring pomposity down to earth in this Beccy. All that glisters is not gold,, but your final stanza is pure platinum. Loved the self effacing truth of this .

Norman

[JR]

Beautifully crafted. I love the message of this one, Beccy. We can waste away our lives with want for things we don't have, and all it brings is suffering. Being comfortable in our own skin is the only true peace. I've been the daisy longing to be the orchid, and it's a rough existence. Everyone is equal in the eyes of Mother Nature. Really loved the flow and the images you chose.

[Ken Simm.]

I was first reminded of Peter Sarstedt's classic song and then I realised this went much further and was a true indicment of so many things that are superficical and wrong.

[Beccy]

Ken. Thank you for you insightful words.

Beccy.

[R.E. Ray]

Beccy, my favorite works relate to perspective, especially when a writer can step out of their own shoes and offer a different viewpoint. This is a tactful yet direct message to those who subscribe to the "standards set by the World." The problem with standards is that they're set by humans, and therefore always flawed and leave out others. You've captured that remarkably well in this poem. And, given the number of views in the past five years, I'd say others agree.

[Robert Trakofler]

...and so are you dear daisy:) truly beautiful!!!!!!!!
wow love the cutting...
Under standards set by the World
council for conformity, you are beautiful.
Oh how these standard bearers need to be replaced

[Neville]

this is in quite simple terms 21st century poetry at its most understated best... now will ya bloody marry me or what..

[Beccy]

Only if you promise to buy me a Ferrari. I'm fed up with my Bentley; so passé nowadays. :))

[Neville]

You said that about the Porche .. okay but I want the Bentley back in one piece :))

[Beccy]

Meanie. I was going to store it for when Charlie gets his licence. :))

PS. Lovely review, thanks.

[Neville]

You are most welcome.. the Aston Martin is for Charlie and is on me x

[Ana Papaya]

Yes, the humble daisy is equally beautiful as the orchids. :)
Fantastic close out on this one. This is a stunning piece of work.

[Baz]

so why then, the sullen little frown
that mars your otherwise perfectly
smooth brow as you leave for work in
a flurry of knock-off designer gear.

Nice image - a flurry of knock off designer gear. Some people seem determined to be defined by who they wear not who they are.