don’t tell me I’m pretty
when I know you see
the girls on the streets
and in the sky
with the same eyes
that can see
that some girls are
prettier than me
have more striking eyes
and thinner waists
and I don’t mind
but don’t you dare
tell me that

I’m pretty

when you can’t say
I’m the prettiest
girl in the world
when your eyes
trail other girls
because pretty things
should be enjoyed
and I don’t mind
that you look
but you better
think of a better
form of compliment
than

pretty
which means
nothing to me
and rings in my head
like a word said too much