What does it mean to be brave in a world so plastic?
Where smiles stretch tight, too stiff to be elastic
It seems I am the only girl with lips this pale and paper-thin,
Afraid of judgment, I chase the Botox trend.
Color my lips as red as cherries,
Finish with a gloss that smells like berries.
Apply concealer beneath my eyes
And hide behind a cosmetic disguise.
I have pores and textured skin,
Dimples like caves when I grin.
I should contour, sculpt, erase—
Put shadows and highlights in their place.
My brows grow thick, wild, and untamed;
Anything natural will be shamed.
Magnetic lashes veil my eyes,
My beauty lost behind the lies.
Post filtered pictures for Instagram,
But I’m an imposter, and this is a scam.
I love my scars, my skin, my imperfections—
They’re what make me who I am,
Regardless of cultural expectations.
So what does it mean to be brave?
To show the world my unfiltered face.
To be vulnerable, to be free,
To be naked, to be me.
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Author:
Beck (
Offline) - Published: December 29th, 2025 03:19
- Comment from author about the poem: I’ve spent so long trying to fit into what everyone else calls “beautiful,” and this is me admitting how exhausting that is. It’s about choosing my real face, my real skin, and learning to stand in it without apology.
- Category: Reflection
- Views: 8
- Users favorite of this poem: sorenbarrett, Friendship
Offline)
Comments2
We spend so much time and effort in being what others value we have no time for what we are and value. A lovely write poignant and well written with great rhyme and flow it speaks to the vanity and fear that we have of what others think and value putting ourselves and our values below theirs. We are slaves to public opinion making even what we know is right subservient to the will of others. A fave
Thank you for your kind words. I’m glad the message came through. It means a lot that you take the time to share your thoughts.
You are most welcome Beck
Well written, your poem revolves around the struggle for authenticity in a world dominated by superficial beauty standards and societal pressures. The poet explores the tension between the desire to conform to these standards and the journey toward self-acceptance and embracing one's natural self. The subject matter includes themes of bravery, vulnerability, beauty, and the critique of cosmetic culture.
I really appreciate your insight. That balance between conformity and self-acceptance is exactly what I hoped to explore.
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