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?

[Pryde Foltz]

You have most aptly pointed out the fact that vanity and delusion go hand-in-hand. Brava, Madame Beccy. A witty, whimsical and insightful piece penned.

[ANM]

Very well written and so true!

[Sami Khalil]

"the smooth passage of your voyage;
the thought temporarily intriguing,
but no more so than a passing cloud."

Your style is wonderful. Your writes are intriguing...:)..................

[NoelHC]

You had me at "flibbertigibbet", well expressed poem, and smacking of a deep truth. Nicely done!

[Beccy]

As accomplished and intuitive as your poetry my dear Edward.

[Ed Hart]

one could gather from this (Miss Daisy May) that you have membership in the chorus; however, daises don't know much about poetry beyond nursery rhymes...but orchids, they know a thing or two, and i'm sure you know at least five or six, and that's not counting sonnets...how's that for skinny deeping

[Will Neill]

Beccy, Words so true and so well put. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder after all and none of us are any less than any other. (Let me read a short story of yours) First Class!.
Will

[Norma M Sutton]

That last line sums it up beautifully. Well said :)

[Woody]

what a delightful read this is! you are indeed a talented poetess, Beccy.
I'm tempted to echo jacob. I'm a sucker for "imperfect".

[Shapirta]

wow. great poem! very descriptive and paints a vivid picture in my mind! i can't wait to your other writings in the future! great job! also, can you do me a favor and review 'the silver necklace'? i want to know what others think of it. any constructive criticism is totally open! thanks, and great job again on the poem!