she's heard them all before
beautiful
****
gorgeous
smokin'
perfect 10
so



pretty



this vocabulary filtered
through nameless voices
springs into routine
like the obligation
of starting and ending

she sees this beauty that acts as a constant reminder
accentuated by perfect lighting
and mascara capable of hiding every bag
under each eye

the community of star struck boys
who slide their smiles into her peripheral view
saying all the right things they've learned through practice
******* her with their hungry eyes

they wear the gentleman's charm
and aim to sweep her off her feet
where she can glow in the spotlight she deserves
fed the endless affection they assume she craves

in the description of perfect lips
and an incredible ***
*******
and nice hips
categories in bullet point dialogue
meant to be locked away in male camaraderie

she realizes this beauty
stealing the gaze of well-intentioned wolves
exposed only to the surface
filling in the rest as they please