A friend once told me
I had perfect lips
As she drew my portrait
For an art project

It was the highest compliment
I ever remember getting.

And as I shared
This highlight of my day
I heard you say

“They’re not perfect.
They are not defined.”

Always a critic.
I should not have been surprised.
What you don’t realize is…
every single time since that day
those words echo in my mind
every time I put on lipstick.

The simple act that
brings the last touch of
beauty to my face…

stings my soul.