Home » Poems » Andrea Dietrich » Tell It Like It Is

Tell It Like It Is

Two pictures in a magazine: One says "Before." One says "After." I notice the first girl's figure is a lot like mine. Not so bad; in fact, it's rather cute, albeit not perfect! The "After" picture shows the same girl after having lost considerable weight. She is said to be wearing a size 4 bikini. I often wear 11's, and I think I look just fine. The After picture is a good one if the girl is looking for a modeling job, but i bet she has to eat very little food because she's looking a little anorexic. I think I will opt for "normal" size, and enjoy my food and my life! Who decides what is good and what is bad anyway when showing us "before" and "after" pictures in which the "Before" was not really all that bad? Oct. 30, 2022

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Robert Warlov

Date: 11/3/2022 7:32:00 PM

***

Beata Agustin

Date: 11/2/2022 2:43:00 AM

Wow! Congrats! Thanks for sharing this reality... poetically exposed and expressed. God bless you.

Unseeking Seeker

Date: 11/1/2022 5:06:00 AM

Good you’re not swayed by these fitness ads ~ love your spirit, Andrea! Congrats on your win

Regina Mcintosh

Date: 10/31/2022 11:51:00 PM

So true. Love this. God bless you and Congrats. Love, Gina

Christuraj Alex

Date: 10/31/2022 11:43:00 PM

"Who decides what is good and what is bad anyway" - True, indeed! Beautifully written. Congratulations!

Miranda Hawley

Date: 10/31/2022 10:57:00 AM

I typically notice in those "before and after" pictures that in the "before" she never has makeup on, and she never smiles, and very often the hair is a mess. In the "after" pictures the smile on her face is big, makeup is on, and hair is fantastic. I like how you wonder if anorexic is part of the after picture. Great observations in your poem.

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 10/31/2022 11:31:00 AM

yes, they do all the can to make the before picture look sucky.

Jennifer Walker

Date: 10/31/2022 8:35:00 AM

I sure like this thought. Who decides what is good and what is bad. Wise words.

Ilene Bauer

Date: 10/31/2022 8:26:00 AM

Fantastically said, Andrea! I couldn’t agree with you more!

Mike Gentile

Date: 10/31/2022 4:46:00 AM

Belated congratulations Andrea! Your piece bears a wonderful message and I wish your example would be adopted by all so that so many would not suffer thinking that they are not good enough! Well done!

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 11/1/2022 6:49:00 AM

Hmmm, now she has posted the winners. Originally I had N/A in my box, but now i see it with a win. I am so confused

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 10/31/2022 11:31:00 AM

congrats for what? My N/A? hahaha

L Milton Hankins

Date: 10/30/2022 4:12:00 PM

Your point is exceptionally well made, Andrea. Who is the arbiter of these things? I have a feeling it is mostly the ad divisions of the various corporations. What say ye?

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 10/30/2022 9:39:00 PM

Have you heard the new song about Victoria secret? Look it up on YouTube if you have not heard it! I know Victoria's secret

Judy Ball

Date: 10/30/2022 1:54:00 PM

Ooohoo! Gotta agree with you here Andrea. A woman once told me she wanted to be slinky like the top models and went on a strict diet. She said she lost lots of weight and looked terrific, but she felt awful and weak. Sick ain't purty. A good write with an important message. God Bless, JB

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 10/30/2022 9:45:00 PM

Yeps! Thanks, Judy.