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Ugly is in the eye of the beholder

I appear ugly when alone
I look normal in company
Self-loathing needs no embrace
Rather than scoring myself
I'm ugly prettiness wronged
I’m shocked by my beauty
Again and again, till I'm cuts
When each slice is mystery
The clue to beauty's murder
Is finding how lovely I was
If everyone is like me then
Who then is ugly like me?
When you leave, I'm homely
The less fortunate comforting
There, self-hatred finds a home
Even if it's a tent by the road
Diaspora from self, preservation
Society casts normalcy
However, I seem to look
Self-loathing is inherited
Plastic surgeons can't erase plain
If disfigured, burn your image
Better defeat than surrender
Victory is my futility
Cry out to your mothers
Who still loves you mangled
Before crimes against your face
Ugly is the eyes of the beholder
Those pretty eyes looking in
Defille your ugliness for good
We remake pristine history
In our honest image

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Tom Woody

Date: 6/9/2025 7:57:00 AM

Self loathing is ultimately self defeating. As you know, beauty lies within (or not for some people). There's a new world ahead. Hang in there a bit longer - Revelation 21:3-5

Hilda Greenhough

Date: 10/11/2024 6:28:00 PM

Try smiling. You may not look prettier, but you'll feel better. Your poem is right. It's all in the eye of the beholder.

Len Gasun

Date: 9/26/2024 7:57:00 PM

Brilliant idea expressed very creatively in your words my dear poet friend. I like what you said especially on the eight last lines. I enjoyed this lovely write of yours. Thanks for sharing your awesome poetry. God bless you always and your writings. Hugs

Triny Xiang
Date: 9/30/2024 10:45:00 AM

I am so glad you enjoyed my humble words. I think of all of God's creatures we are the ugliest. Perhaps that's why we strive toward beauty and the sublime. Sublimity would be nice and cool like dry ice.

Jay Narain

Date: 9/24/2024 10:04:00 AM

Nice poem.

Triny Xiang
Date: 9/30/2024 10:47:00 AM

Your comment is always greatly appreciated. It's a stamp of approval by a word master. Thank you.