Exposed

As I am,

blemishes on my face

to the conspicuous beauty marks on my cheeks..

Is it the way my hair curls,

or the light that bounces off my brown skin,

his thoughts so evil and words so pure

to confide in his perpetual affection

they say,

a shade lighter

few wrinkles tighter

maybe a voice quieter..

Less than beautiful

pull at my tiny arms,

pack my little clothes

tell me I don’t have a choice

don’t let my father know

a mother who loved her child so endlessly

evades a father’s love

to the fathers that try, and the mothers that hide

is it merely-

spouse relationship or parent relationship

bitter or beneficial

vengeance or grace

Less than beautiful

lie to me,

then tell me the truth

but only after I question you

Is this who you want me to be?

blonde, bright, and perkier

let my lipstick paint a picture so vulgar

of the woman I am not,

but who you want me to be

disregard the rules

let me in

exposed

Less than beautiful

 Therese-Siulolovao Loko