I Am All Ears
Location
I once told my mom
in front of the bathroom mirror
that there was not one part of my body
that I really liked
Not my small “Chinky” eyes,
that disappear when I smile
Not my dry, rough hands,
filled with calluses
from years of gripping my pencils incorrectly
And definitely not my curveless figure,
short with broad shoulders,
looking brolic when climbing out of the pool
My mom was surprised
and joked that her and my dad’s genes
did not satisfy my aesthetic desires
And while I know I should appreciate
all that they have given me
Maybe her words were true,
that I really did wish for better genes
that would make me taller, skinnier
Prettier
But people always said that beauty is only skin deep
so I tried and tried
to think of something good about me –
my personality, character –
that I could share
I’ve come up with one
that everyone can do
but I’ll use it anyway
I see myself as a good listener,
someone who people can share their problems with
Be it complicated family situations,
arguments between friends,
or even relationship crises
I will listen
Helpful advice may not be returned
but I know how meaningful a person’s presence can be
when one is feeling down, depressed,
Lonely
So I may not be attractive,
may not be the nicest person in the world
But in times of need,
come to me,
and for you,
I am all ears.