Dressed to kill

I hated how much time you would spend in the mirror
Perfecting the image you wanted to share
Every morning a make-up artist extraordinaire
And a top-rated stylist beyond compare
No one can hold a candle to you
When it comes to wearing the mask

And I’ve had to consider that I too am to blame
Part of reason for some of your pain
The sadness that weighs down the skin of your face
The frustration you feel when I can’t find my place
The anger and weariness that come with the fight
From being on the front lines every day and night
While commercials and ads won’t let your mind rest
Barking prescriptions for beauty and happiness

It's no wonder your armor has become your costume
Why you parade through the shade and stand out in a room
Wearing your best combat boots to the ball
Stunning, defiant, and ready to brawl

And having been in this with you from the grind
And seeing you dressed up for war all the time
I honestly can’t remember the last time you smiled
Or the last time I caught a glimpse of your inner child
I see in every photograph the subtlest of hints
Teeth clenched in control, and a fire so intense

And as I look at what this world has done to you
How, in some ways, it’s robbed me of the best of you

I buckle

And check what I’ve got left in my mag
And with a hard look of knowing
Come straight out of my bag
Inspired and ashamed by the strength you have shown
Determined to carve out of this madness, a home
Where at last you can wake up each morning relaxed
With no need to cover your face with that wax
And I can look onto your softness at last
And love you in peace

And love you in peace

©02.24.2017 ebn