Tagalog Spoken Word Poetry

#27 PRETTY FACE

"PRETTY FACE"

When I was three my momma told me that this pretty face won't last long it soon will flee—Hence, I have to make the most out of it, so I learned how to smile at age six... if, you know what I mean.
I was not a poster, a picture nor a TV and yet these men with their gawking eyes watched me as I stood on the stage frightened but momma whispered, "baby they just wanna play."
I grew fond of makeups and toys—no not barbie and ken—but of lingeries which will satisfy these crippling old men.
When I hit eight I didn't know why but everyone was on Cloud Nine and when I asked momma why she said, "you're in the right age for the next stage."
And when I thought men staring at me was normalcy I was introduced to a new novelty... forcibly
I loathed the number eight, 'cause when I turned eight... eyes turned into hands that touches me carelessly, fervors of cheers and yells turned into lips that forcibly fondled on my skin leaving marks and cuts as they grin while I seek harmony in this absurdity
When I turned nine I was still too young to understand why I had to wake up with strange men who tore me to pieces and yet I still could not comprehend
I told momma please! I know she'd understand why I want to stop playing those promiscuous games however, she held my cheeks and said "Your pretty face won't last long, it will soon flee. Go in the room and play, they'll reward you with jewelries."
For years I entered the room without knowing 'why' at ten I was sleeping with a million men
At sixteen, girls in my youth would slow dance in jazz while I was told to hold the poll and prance—drunk in their giddy bawl and glance
While other teens made their parents proud of medals—Mama told me to dance and intimidate the devil
While other kissed romance, I was murdered in avalanche, thinking that at seventeen I've had histories with a million men.

© OhDandani

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