The Imperfect Perfect Sonnet

society wants people to focus
on the mistakes marked in the mirror:
the crooked smile, unloved, provokes us
to cover our teeth and hide all our cheer.
we fear becoming a failure, working
ourselves down to the bone. saving hunger
for later, instead of small snacks, shirking
becoming fat, we melt ‘til nothing’s there.
magazines create frenzies of fast fads,
inspiring middle school girl’s shopping sprees.
learning that beauty isn’t in the ads
doesn’t come easy; we often beg please.
the treasure is finding affirmation
covered by layers of imperfection.