short stories

Why can't i be pretty like you

There is mascara

running down my cheeks

Like smoke in the sky and storm clouds

on the horizon.

Why can't i be pretty like you?

My lipstick is smudged

painting my face like a clown's smile

Hiding my pale lips

turned down in a frown.

why can't i be pretty like you?

The nail-polish is chipped,

peeling off.

While my shaking fingers

dig into my hands.

Why can't i be pretty like you?

I did what you said

I took your advice.

I did everything right,

only to end up

having everything turn wrong

Why can't i be pretty like you?

I don't want to keep seeing this,

this person in the mirror.

She's a stranger now,

an ugly outsider

Why can't i be pretty like you?

But no matter how hard i try,

no matter what i do to cover up.

It just isn't good enough

and neither am I...

Why can't i be pretty like you.