A Tangle of Hurt and Happiness - A collection of poetry

Pretty not Attractive

Over the years, I have realized that I am pretty.
When I say this next bit, don't look at me with pity.
I have come to understand that I am not attractive.
I am pretty, but not in a way that is reactive.
I do not turn heads
I do not steal breaths.

I do not stand out.
I am hidden in the now.
You can see me, it's true,
But you'll never realize it when you do.
I am not the kind of ugly that they notice and judge.
I am not the kind of pretty that they notice and love.

I don't understand what you like about me.
I am not sure what it is exactly you see.
You think that I am pretty,
And I believe it when you say it so simply.
But yet you also call me hot,
When I know that is something that I'm not.

I am not sexy.
Please, speak sensibly.
I can be pretty without being attractive.
Please don't pretend I'm capable of holding your heart captive.
I'm aware that I'm not eye-catching.
My body is not something anyone, especially me, would like having.

Listen, I'm sure you mean well.
You're sincere in your belief that I'm pretty, I can tell.
But that can only go so far,
And I can only see myself as subpar.
Yes, I am pretty,
But I know I'm not attractive, and that doesn't need to be a pity.