If I caught a glimpse of beauty there,
it was in the plastic waistlines
of perfect posing bodies,
headless, yet still all I aspired--
still more desirable than I could ever wish to be.

If I caught a glimpse of beauty there,
it was in the flawless curve,
not in the mirror--
never in the mirror--
but in the '0' in the size column
of the starved dress on the rack.

If I caught a glimpse of beauty there,
it was not on my face,
not in my hair,
not in my body,
nor my skin, far too fair--
but as soon as I turned for a second glance
I found there was no beauty anywhere.