“I wish I had different eyes,”
She said
After all the books
And characters
And affirmations
After all the work searching for representation
For all the strong and beautiful reflections
We intentionally celebrate
And all the verses recited and read:
“They turn into slits when I smile,”
She said
Who said other eyes are better?
And I remember:
The college friend who said
“Everyone knows guys like blond hair and blue eyes best.”
The magazines
The starring roles
And Hitler
Who said other eyes are better?
It’s not a who
It’s a system
That people I love argue against
Pretend it’s not there
Say, it’s only some people
not everyone
just individuals
While we spend mornings, afternoons, and evenings
Resisting it’s message
Writing, celebrating, encouraging
Remembering the years
Of self-hate, and years of healing
Reminding her
Her eyes are beautiful
Wondering if
All the work
Will be enough.
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