Best Poems Written by Tamika Starks

The Manikin

There's a manikin in my window, that follows me where ever I go, I can't seem to shake 
her, she's like my six o'clock shadow. But she seems to be everything I am, but more 
refined and more polished. 
No belly, Nice but, in creditable looks, wears a size zero in jeans, has the face of the 
american dream, she's what the public adores and admires, this is what society deems 
nessacary to be beautiful. 
I'm 5'10 a number of pounds over weight, more gut than butt, decent in what society sees 
as good looks.
They say I'm no J-lo, meaning my body should not be seen in public, 
No media coverage,
Not front page material,
No music video,
That I should grow my hair, get cosmetic surgery and wear all this makeup and then I may 
be deemed as pretty.
The question I have to ask myself is this really me?
Artificial flavoring, unessary calories, a false sense of self that can provide material 
wealth? 
No- this is societies ideology. A life time of fame filled with unconscience shame, trade 
in my dignity and what makes me me, for uncertain romances, adulterated chances, so the 
world can love my name. So people can compare me to you and you. And then put more of 
strain on todays struggling youth.
There' a manikin in my window that follows me where ever I go, I can't seem to shake her 
she's like my six o'clock shadow.

Copyright © Tamika Starks | Year Posted 2005