ALS NaPoWriMo 2024 Day 23 Prompt:
We observe a lot of things around us– pets, statues, buildings, household items, stationary items, furniture, vehicles, and the list is endless. How about a poem dedicated to any of these? It may have impacted you in some way, or maybe it makes no difference to your life, but let’s share our feelings about one or more of such things in verses.
Poem: Will You Answer Me?
I looked at you in the hope of some admiration,
But instead,
You stared back at me–
Coldly, blankly.
I couldn’t comprehend what was wrong with me!
Is it my appearance?
Am I looking unpleasant, or ugly?
Am I looking too fat?
Did the color of dress not appease you?
Is it too dark?
Is this outfit not suitable for the occasion?
Should I go and change into some traditional attire?
Oh, wait! It must be my unruly hair!
I couldn’t straighten them in hurry,
Let me fix it quickly!
What is it again now?
Is it my makeup this time? Is it too much?
I know, this kohl keeps smudging all the time,
Or it must be the dark red colored lips,
It must be bothering you again… but it seems fine…
Why can’t you ever approve of me?
Why do you keep criticizing me?
Will I ever be able to live up to your expectations?
Will I ever seem perfect to you, needing no corrections?
Will you answer me now and break your silence?
No, why would you?
Because my external appearance is all that matters to you!
How I feel, who I am, is immaterial to you!
This body- the façade, is what you value,
My heart, my soul is invisible to you!
Can you really not reflect my inner state of being?
Can you not tell me that I look prettier when happy?
Can you ever reveal my emotional beauty?
Can you ever echo my heart’s feelings?
Is it too much to ask, hey! mirror?
©Vandana Bhasin
23.04.2024
