what do you do when they claim you're weak?

and your face is flawed and your fate is bleak?

and they tell you you're worth nothing more,

that all your life has been a bore?

with lipsticks red and blushes pink,

you feel at home when stained with ink.

repeat that lie to ensure you're fine,

to reaffirm - ensure that you can shine.

drown yourself in perfumes sweet

don't be engulfed wholly by the heat

be sure to show the world your beauty

it's not a choice, it's your utmost duty.

for that's what this century has defined for us

a life of glamour, our national chorus

an army of manikins brought to life to conquer,

mandated for good, an option no longer.

forget one's books, one's emotions, one's habits

not the reason why we're born unto this planet.

just cut your faults and paste perfection

it isn't yours? who cares? accept the injection.

morph your face until your features fade,

close your eyes and embrace the blade.

wait until you've crossed the line

between what is yours and what is mine.

because when you're you, you're never appealing

to be attractive, you have to be willing

to lose yourself to desires so strong

til even you forget what exactly's wrong.