6 years old.
blue ribbon, silk ribbon,
streaming through my hair.
pigtails, toothless smile;
Mirror am I pretty yet?
10 years old.
ponytail, bobby pins,
taming my messy hair.
chubby thighs, crooked smile;
Mirror am I pretty yet?
14 years old.
straight hair, lipstick,
mascara running through my
face.
trembling knees, broken smile;
Mirror am I pretty yet?
16 years old.
messy bun, chapped lips,
sobbing eyes, bloody wrists.
bony thighs, fake smile;
Mirror am I pretty yet?
(Julie Martinez)