Worried what everyone else thinks

Check your hair and makeup,

Stare a little longer for a fault

Search creases, frizz, and pigmentation

Dress down to dress up

Leave something to the imagination

Tick-tock-tick-tock,

You’re running out of time

Eyes on the clock,

Every beat that passes,

Your heart is trying to tell you

You’ll never be the same;

Forced to grow under the knife.
Throw a cloth over the looking glass,

 Mourn the person you were,

Again and again,

As the moon rises and wanes,

Grow to your fullest,

Disappear into the darkness.

Nothing blooms all year round,

You wilt – one day, as we all do
Look at yourself.

Acknowledge how you have earned your body.

Every scar that’s faded,

Every knot in your curls,

Every bruise on your arm,

Every callous on your hand,

Accept them.

You are your Ancestors’ gift.

No one else can see your heart –

unless you cut open your chest.

You might be tempted to digress,

And mutilate your body,

For the gaze of many.

Build your perfect mask, and remember

There are no mirrors in coffins