Catherine Benskin: Listen
Lily, So Beautful
For my friend Alison
Lily glides into the room, all heads turn on her string. Her under-rated beauty is faintly masculine. Everybody knows her name; she stands above the crowd Who question in safe whispers things they'd never ask aloud. *She's so beautiful. I think she's beautiful. If she's so beautiful, why does she sit alone? Sippin' tart martinis, she tells me who she's been: father, mother, dreamer, lover, inspired, a little sin. She says she's learned to smile a lot to catch the stares off guard. Once you've seen her soul within, compassion's not so hard.* Removing her false lashes lends a mirror to her past. Through years of pride and strength her painful boyhood memories last. Her parents' dispapproval yeilds black eye-liner stained tears. And bullies from the school yard still haunt with taunting jeers. While some may scorn or pity you, Lily, you won't get that from me. I'll wink at you in admiration as you live your truth with dignity. You're so beautiful, I think you're beautiful- Far too beautiful to be sitting all alone. You're so beautiful. You know you're beautiful. From now on beautiful, I won't let you sit alone.