our self image.... Make-up/coveritup

This poem really struck me. I think it speaks powerfully to women, but can also be applied to all people. We are constantly wearing masks or hiding who we are, in order to impress people. It concerns me! (yet I know I do the same thing...) I think using this in the classroom could spark an interesting conversation. I think it could be paired with other peices about hiding identity or self-esteem issues. What do you girls think of it??

Make Up


we make up our faces
for lots of reasons
to go to the movies
or some junior prom
to see ice hockey
or watch the Dodgers come home again
defeated

going to the grocery store
only requires lipstick
while a bridge game
can mean a quick trip
to the hairdresser for a touch up

i clean my makeup
before going to bed
alone
and if my mood is foul
i spray the sheets
with Ultra Ban

most faces are made up
before the public is faced
whether male female or child
it's always so appropriate
doncha know
to put a little mascara
around the eyes

we make up fantasies to face life
we need to believe
we are good on the job
or at least in the bed

we make up lies
to impress people
who are making up lies
to impress us
and if either took all
the make up off
life would not be
worth living

we make up excuses
to say i'm sorry –that-
forgive me –because-
and after all didn't i tell you
-why-

and i make up with you
because you aren't strong
enough to reach out
to say
come home i need you