by Shruthi Mukunth, II B.S.W.
Too thin, too thick,
Been called way too many insults that stick
From your hair to your nails
You're judged everyday
And regardless of what you change
You'll still receive hate.
They'll mock you and they'll judge
And if you try to change, then you're a wannabe
With no originality; So your diets
And your workout, your hair care routine
And your face masks
Your uncomfortable clothes or dysfunctional shoes
Won't ever satisfy them.
Their comments aren't from concern,
Like some might claim
Their words aren't for you per se,
But for their own self-loathing and insecurity to tame.
And if they don't do it, you'll do so yourself
Your worldwide influencers too focused on aesthetics to care about emotions
Reality unmatched and health forgotten
You'll take yourself apart, weaken and lose yourself to meet goals, underestimated
Desperation, frustration and hurt take over you
The need to change to fit the "trend", the only thought on your mind
Losing sight of your goal; science, health and genes disregarded
You're disappointed and you blame yourself for nature’s process
So pick the clothes that embrace you,
the hair that crowns you
And the body that truly feels like you.
You don't have to meet anyone’s ideals,
Don't get stuck in the never-ending trap of trends
It'll be hard to accept yourself at first,
To love yourself as you are
Because society says you don't deserve to,
Unless you meet their demands.
Just remember that your life is yours
And the people that can't appreciate you will pass;
So stay strong, grow healthy and put yourself first,
And make sure that even if your style is overdue,
The smile you wear is genuine and true.