Home » Poems » Cameron Hartley » Pretty

Pretty

I am pretty. 
I know, because everyone says so.

I am so pretty that
Hoodies and lack of makeup
Translate as showing off
Natural beauty- as confidence
In the fact that everyone
Will love me,
Instead of disinterest...

I am so pretty that
Boys ask how old I am,
And say, "Too bad..."
Because I'm under 18.

I am so pretty that
My boyfriend doesn't like
To kiss me in public
Because everyone stares
At the Hispanic boy
With- The nerve!-
To touch a white girl-
And a pretty white girl,
No less!

I am so pretty that
Any boy will flirt with me 
And when I remind them
That I have a boyfriend,
They protest,
"But you're so pretty!"

I am so pretty that
When my best friend,
A Muslim girl,
Taught me how to wear
A hijab, 
People asked why
Would I ever cover up;
They would say,
"But you're so pretty!"

I am so pretty
That I know I could never
Say that I feel lonely-
People would just say,
"But you're so pretty!"

I am so pretty that
When I'm upset,
People will tell me,
"But you're so pretty...
You, know that, right?"

Yeah. I know.

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Zainab Al

Date: 5/31/2014 12:17:00 PM

Subhan Allah! Thank you for this. I don't know if I understood the true meaning, but I've always wanted people to see me for who I am, and not because of how I look. I am tired of feeling like an object of desire, and I want to be respected, and this poem made my day. You are a great poet, please continue to write poems like this!!! May Allah bless you my friend & sister in Islam:)

Naushahi Naushahi

Date: 4/21/2014 9:54:00 AM

Liked it especially the Hijab bit :)

Cameron Hartley
Date: 4/21/2014 9:33:00 PM