Gristle and Cellulite

Gristle and Cellulite

gristle and cellulite

sculpted and girdled

sucked away, shifted

to more alluring

          nether regions

the vacuous

becomes

the injectable

thin here

plump there

take in the form

curves and sharp angles

static pneumatic is the new sexy

But don’t look too close

scars tanning to leather

best before dates expired

time to schedule another visit

    with Dr. Faustus

and his Mephistophilic

medicine cabinet

take living tissue

make it dead

necromance

have it dance again

airbrush and filter

everything looks better

under distorted

and rose-coloured lenses

get out the scissors

acids and dissolutions

vacuum and suction

see yourself

as you wish to be

make it reality

***

Gristle and Cellulite is published in Monsters, Avatars & Angels

Please visit my blog to further explore my poetry. I also post links through twitter. Longer works can be found on the my amazon page.

Reviews

[Bhuyanshi Talukdar]

The poem seems to be a commentary on the societal pressure to conform to a certain standard of beauty, which often involves undergoing cosmetic procedures. It suggests that people are willing to go to great lengths to achieve the "perfect" body, even if it means altering their natural form. The poem also touches on the idea that this pursuit of perfection can be dangerous, and that there are risks involved in undergoing cosmetic procedures. Overall, the poem seems to be questioning the idea that beauty can be manufactured, and suggesting that true beauty comes from within.

[Patricia Wedel]

My Breast Surgeon was very skilled... when he removed the Cancer in my left Breast in 2007. One main lymph node under my Arm had Cancer; however, he removed that lymph node and any others on the left upper side.. After Surgery and a few months of Healing, the Surgeon asked me if I wanted Surgery to make both Breasts look the same. I said "No". I will keep what is Perfect. Of course, with Aging. everything hangs like Grapes on a Vine. I am Ready for frolicking by the Riverside many times until Eternity. gently, Pat

[Pryde Foltz]

Reconstructive surgery is an amazing thing but I imagine still very painful. So grateful for your surgeon too and that he kept you with us. Love to Patricia.

[Patricia Wedel]

Thank you Pryde… you are so precious to say that… I do enjoy Poetry … and also a CD I got recently at a Religious Thrift Tore ( St. Vincent de Paul). I am a Christian and I discovered a CD of Elvis songs when he was about 24… singing about how he himself is like a Sparrow and God watches over him…. and another song about “He touched me”. I have never been touched so spiritually like when Elvis sings these Songs. I do believe in enjoying this Earth like Heaven should be someday… the Here and Now.. If only the World could have Peace instead of Threats of War. tenderly, Pat

[Robert Haigh]

I found this both funny and sad at the same time. "Vanity of vanities; all is vanity," to quote the book of Ecclesiastes. Even the young (some of them) are having such procedures done these days. Father time will still catch up with them, as he does with us all! We can't stay young forever.

[Pryde Foltz]

Indeed ... in the pursuit of unnatural beauty ideals, many will find themselves quite unnaturally marred by time. Whereas, love and healthy living truly is the best caretaker of beauty. At least that has been my experience. I suppose what separates care for self from vanity is the fear of natural processes. Being at odds versus at one with nature(the divine). There is a rejuvenating energy to being at one with it. I have to confess ... when I wrote this ... I was in touch with that wisdom but not at one with it. I suppose that may be necessary if we are to create. A little contrast is needed.

Thank you for the read and sharing your thoughts.

[Pryde Foltz]

Mostly I had fun writing this.

[Richard Knox]

Sad but true. This reminds me of the movie, “Death Becomes Her,” but you’ve expressed the same ideas much more seriously, succinctly and eloquently.

[Pryde Foltz]

That is a good movie. Thank you:)

[Coyote Poetry]

Dear Pryde. The poetry was amazing and so beautiful.
"airbrush and filter
everything looks better
under distorted
and rose-coloured lenses"
I love the above lines and thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Pryde Foltz]

Thank you, Coyote:)

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome dear Pryde.

[Chris Shaw]

I find it incredible how some will meddle with just about everything to enhance their looks. It is a revolting practice and I wonder whatever happened to natural looks. Of course the fact that it is mega business means there are alot of sharks out there willing to carry out these surgeries. On point Pryde. It has to be said. I just wish some of those young women wouldn't follow like sheep.

Chris

[Pryde Foltz]

We also biological beings and the pressure to fit in and be accepted will lead to some pretty abhorrent and illogical behaviour at times. To be clear ... I don't go around telling anyone what they can do with their body ... I was playing with my shadow self here; I of course wear makeup and take care of my health and as such my looks, but as you say the greed pushing unnatural and harmful transformation, the inauthenticity that leads the young astray, and to suffering, is very harmful.

[Einstein Noodle]

sheesh my friend Pryde ... fantastic, needs to be said and heard ... i would put this on a loud speaker and drive all through Hollywood over and over and over again ... sharp .. biting ... so relevant .. so needed ... so ... in case you missed it .. really appreciate your poem!
E.

[Pryde Foltz]

Thanks, E; so nice to see you. I guess I get frustrated with the level of inauthenticity out there. And what it does to our young.

[redzone]

it's a revolting culture we live in Pride... your poem points to some of the ways that our society and culture impose on us the values of self-worth.... it is sickening... and ironically, they claim all of this is done to improve self-worth....

your pen is as sharp as ever Pryde...

[Pryde Foltz]

Thanks, Curt(

I spend a lot of time on social media and suffer from candoritis. LOLread moreThanks, Curt(

I spend a lot of time on social media and suffer from candoritis. LOL

Thanks so much for your words:)

[Sami Khalil]

Big business. Helps some. Disaster for others. Depends on the skills of the surgeon. Natural beauty is the best.
Lots of people are beauty conscience.

[Pryde Foltz]

Health and love is the way:)

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! So true and well said. Lead the way for us poets.

[Pryde Foltz]

I only ever walk my way ... sometimes others join me:)

[Sami Khalil]

Hehehe...Good to know...

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this reminds me of the poem "Barbie Doll" by Marge Piercy....
we can have all kinds of surgeries that will destroy our naturalness...and then leave
us looking like a doll that came off the assembly line as a throwaway.
Vanity is a killer....
this poem makes a strong statement.
j.

[Pryde Foltz]

It sure is; I wonder at what some have done to their faces. i wonder if that is now why they want to put us all in the metaverse.