the deception in looks...

everything…is never what it seems…

deep down, inside
she hates the way
she looks
but smiles anyway
to hide truth
the true story
behind the beauty
each night
she looks in the mirror
seeing a monster
sometimes it’s so unbearable
she gets ready for school
in the dark
MAC and Cover Girl
are her best friends
her hair, luxurious
flowing down to her back
but what you don’t know is
that same hair
she has to hold up
as the back of those
pearly white teeth
become stained
with vomit
each night
she sticks her finger
down her throat
to stay skinny
to stay beautiful
hoping…to be loved.

he’s on the corner
day in
and day out
posted…
looking for his next sale
his next hustle
his next big break
he’s a tough guy
of sorts
quick to snatch someone up
if they’re not acting right
he’s always had a reputation
for not taking any shit
his boys think he’s strong
he never wants to be seen
as less than
or weak
and the ladies love him too
willing to do
unspeakable acts
just for the satisfaction
of waking up next to him
when morning comes
but what they don’t know
is that each night
when he finally leaves
the corner
and retires to his sleep
he cries
because he has to sleep
with one eye open
and a gun under his pillow
the uncertainty of living
the life he chose
he says a prayer
for salvation
for deliverance
his faith, never wavering
hoping…that tomorrow will be
a better day

the deception in looks
brings the assumption of one’s character
pre-determined opinions
about who someone really is
without even knowing
their story…

so…what’s your story?


010210

peace.