6 years old.
Blue ribbon, silk ribbon,
Streaming through my hair.
Pigtails and a toothless smile;
Mirror, am I pretty yet?
10 years old.
Ponytail, bobby pins,
Taming my messy hair.
Chubby thighs and a crooked smile;
Mirror, am I pretty yet?
14 years old.
Straight hair, lipstick,
Mascara running down my face.
Trembling knees and a broken smile;
Mirror, am I pretty yet?
16 years old.
Messy bun, capped lips,
Sobbing eyes and bloody wrists.
Bony thighs and a fake smile;
Mirror, am I pretty yet?
(Julie Martinez)
